Athens Meets Athens. In Vienna.

Just like there's a "Vienna, Virginia" and a "Vienna, Austria" - there is also an "Athens, Georgia" and an "Athens, Greece". And this month, Athens (GA) met Athens (Greece) right here in Vienna (VA)!

Yes, this month Vienna welcomed another new restaurant to Maple Avenue. It's called "Zoe's Kitchen" and the restaurant's style is a mix of southern hospitality and Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Sounds like an offbeat combination, doesn't it?

 Well, Zoe's Kitchen is a chain named after Zoe Cassimus. Zoe was born in the Mediterranean and raised in the South. It wasn't exactly Athens, GA and Athens, Greece - but it was "the South" and "the Mediterranean". Now it all makes sense, right?

 We stopped in to Zoe's last week and we give it a thumbs-up as a nice addition to the dining options in Vienna. A few things need to still be worked out though:

Parking: We arrived fairly early for lunch - right when they opened at 11AM. We did that purposely because this was our 3rd attempt to try out Zoe's. The other two attempts failed because we couldn't find parking. By the time we left at noon, the same issue existed and traffic was backed up onto Maple Avenue once again.

Cooking Time: The ordering process is similar to that found at Noodles & Company. You order & pay at the counter, serve your own drinks and then they give you a stand with a number on it. When your food is ready, it's brought to your table. We didn't wait too long. But we noticed quite a few people waiting for to-go orders, many of whom ordered right after us and were still waiting after we finished eating.

 Hopefully, these are just issues that come with opening week jitters. The food itself was tasty. Very flavorful. And not your "same old same old". It was fresh. And the menu is both healthy and imaginative - with lots of options for both meat lovers and vegetarians. Take a look at the menu.

Every person we encountered was super friendly. And the atmosphere was clean, bright & cheerful. It's a great place to grab lunch during the work day, meet friends for a snack and it's also a good family spot for dinner. They even have wine & beer available for the adults.

Welcome to Vienna Zoe's!

4 Things To Know About Vienna For Your Next Cocktail Party

Next time you go to a cocktail party in Vienna, and you hit an awkward patch of conversation, here are four conversation starters:

1. Did you know that the entire student body at Madison High School was assigned the same book for summer reading? It's called "Peak". Have you read it?

2. Why do you think the Town of Vienna has so many mattress stores? You'll find Sleepy's, Mattress Discounters, Savvy Rest & Urban Mattress all within a few blocks of one another. (I'm wondering if Vienna really is a sleepier town that I think!).

3. Did you know the average home price in Vienna this year is up 8.7% over last year? When did you buy your house? (Side note: I built my house in 1986 and paid $139,700. It's now assessed at just under $700,000 and would likely sell over $800,000.)

4. I love trying all kinds of foods. Did you know there are more than 20 types of ethnic restaurants in Vienna - Greek, Mediterranean, American, Italian, Asian Fusion, Persian, Iranian, Irish, Afghan, Middle Eastern, Japanese, Latin American, Thai, Chinese, French, Vietnamese, Pakistani, Lebanese & Indian! What's your favorite?

Happy Gabbing!

End of Summer Fun In Vienna

This weekend is Labor Day weekend. For many, this time of year signals "end of summer" and "back to school". (Show your sad face here.)

But we say - let's take summer out with a BANG! And if you live in Vienna - that's EASY!

SATURDAY:

Sing-A-Long Sound of Music

Head to Wolftrap & bring the whole family on Saturday, August 31st. Do you remember "Rocky Horror Picture Show"? It was the first audience participation movie "back in the day". Well, this weekend - you can share in that experience - except family style. (Rocky Horror wasn't quite family-style!).

The movie "Sound of Music" will be run on GIGANTIC screens both in house & on the lawn at Wolftrap. There will be a costume contest. The audience is invited to sing a long. AND your ticket will include a goodie bag of props. It's a fun, interactive event for all ages.

Here's a peek at what you can expect:

More Info about Sing-A-Long Sound of Music.


SUNDAY:

First Sunday Jazz Brunch at Bazin's on Church

Don't just treat your taste buds, but treat your ears as well at Bazin's First Sunday Jazz Brunch. Bazin's On Church (and that's Church Street - not a church building!) is one of our favorite Vienna restaurants. On the 1st Sunday of each month, they have live jazz music from Virginia Music Adventure's Chapel Square Combo. We say if you start your day off with a Pear & Cranberry Bellini & Bananas Foster French Toast - you just can't go wrong!


MONDAY:

W&OD Trail:

On Monday, it's time to work off all those treats from the weekend, get back in shape & get outdoors! The W&OD Trail goes right through Vienna. But which way will you ride (or skate or run or bike or stroll)? In one direction - you'll head toward Falls Church & Arlington. And in the other, you'll hit Herndon & (eventually) Purcellville. You never know what you might see along the trail, so keep your eyes wide open - not only is there gorgeous flora & fauna - but there is lots of wildlife along the way!

When you get home, put on Pandora, set it on The Beach Boys station. And BAM. You'll think summer is just beginning.

Happy Endless Summer!

MAR MAR MARVELOUS!

Last Saturday was one of those days you just dream about. . . . where you wake up, you have no pressing business, and you think "Hmmm, maybe we should go out for a leisurely brunch." So that's just what we decided to do.

But where should we go? Since we live in Vienna, we like to stay local. But even confining our search to the Town of Vienna meant we still had a lot of choices. Should we head to Bazin's? Maplewood Grill? Amphora?  Breakfast burritos at Anita's? Patisseries & coffee at Silva's? Bagels at Panera?

All good options, but not this time. You see, every time we go to Panera, we peer across the street and into the windows at Maple Ave Restaurant and wish we had the time to sit down and have a really civilized meal. So that's what we did.

And boy are we glad we made that choice. A fabulous menu greeted us. At first glance, you might think the prices a bit high and the fare not that different from any other restaurant. But that's where you'd be wrong. Because every detail from the hand crafted cola, to the homemade mayo, to the French pressed coffee (a special brew from Caffe Amouri) to the gorgeous presentation was well worth it. We lingered and chatted and felt so thoroughly cared for that the rest of the day just went by in a dream. Seriously. It was THAT good.

I'm not a professional photographer, so my photos don't do justice, but here's what we enjoyed. My husband had the fried egg sandwich (with sliced Olli coppa, gruyere cheese, piquillo peppers) accompanied by killer home fries and a mustard vinaigrette salad. Mmmmmm!

I went the simple route with a panko crusted chicken sandwich with cheddar cheese & truffle mayo (that was to die for!) and seasoned fries. (If they had served an extra side of truffle mayo, I'd have dipped my fries for some extra goodness. But then they probably would have had to wheel me out!) This dish sounds simple, but the freshness of the organic ingredients, the seasoning and the execution made it simply spectacular.

Next time we go, we promised ourselves we would try the 6 course brunch tasting menu. It often includes an egg dish, a crepe, charcuterie, lunch plate, salad & dessert. It changes with the seasons, but based on my other meals there, I know it would be fabulous. AND they even have bottomless cocktails for $15 (mimosas, bloody marys & poinsettias). What's not to like?!

MAR (Maple Ave Restaurant) is MAR MAR MARVELOUS in my book and just another reason we we love living in Vienna. Here's to you Chef Tim Ma & General Manager Joey Hernandez. You guys rock!

(This edition of TheresNoPlaceLikeVienna.com was contributed by Christy Belt Grossman, Chief Operating Officer with The Belt Team. Christy has lived in Vienna since 1972 and enjoys the small town feel that Vienna has to offer !)

Sometimes You Just Need A Little Taste of Heaven

Wasn't it great when the sun came out today?! After coming through 3 days of rain, "hunkering down" at home, and then picking up the debris today - it was really nice to see the sun peeking through the clouds.

And that's how I always feel when I go to Silva's.

Silva's Patisserie is another one of those small, local businesses in Vienna that I have grown to love. It's nestled in the same shopping center and right around the corner from another one of my favorite local places, Jammin Java.



When you go in, you are sure to find one of the owners there - either Silva herself or her son Harry. Harry is a pastry chef (formerly of the Kennedy Center) and he named the patisserie after his mother Silva. They will give you a friendly greeting and then wait patiently while you decide what to order.

And that's where the problem arises. What to order?!



You see, while they of course have all the usual specialties (cakes, bread, croissants, cookies, cupcakes & the rest), plus gorgeous wedding cakes, macaroons & marzipan works of art; my favorite thing to order at Silva's is one of their miniature pastries. And the varieties are ENDLESS.



So Harry waits patiently - while I ponder . . . lemon meringue or key lime . . . chocolate lolly or cheesecake lolly . . . a fruit bavarian or a swan . . . a red forest lolly or chocolate mousse . . . a vanilla eclair or a rum ball . . . creme brulee or a mille feuille . . . coca cacao or dulce de leche . . . a caramel lolly or pistachio . . . raspberry linzer or strawberry tort . . . a mint chocolate lolly or a belgian truffle.

And Harry is still waiting patiently! LOL!

Oftentimes when I stop in to Silva's, it's on the way to a potluck or a ladie's gathering. I like to offer to bring dessert because I know that when I bring desserts from Silva's - it will "wow" everyone (even the guys!). I usually pick up a variety of mini pastries. Silva's always wraps them in a lovely box decorated with ribbon and as soon as people see it, they want to know what's inside.



The anticipation grows and as I plate the desserts one by one, I start to hear "oohs" and "aahs" and "That's my favorite!" and "I have dibs on that one!". And because they are mini pastries - EVERYONE has one - even those who are on a diet say "Oh I can have just one little pastry." (And then they can't help but have another and another . . . !)

The other times I stop into Silva's, it's because sometimes I just need a little taste of heaven. Having a hectic week? Kids driving you crazy? Did you volunteer for too many activities? Is your job really stressful? Stop into Silva's for one little mini pastry - and for just a few moments it all slips away.

Silva's is located at 167 Glyndon Street SE and is just another reason why I LOVE living in Vienna!
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(This edition of TheresNoPlaceLikeVienna.com was contributed by Christy Belt Grossman, Chief Operating Officer with The Belt Team. Christy has lived in Vienna since 1972 and resides with her husband Bill and dog Cody. And Silva's even has a treat that looks just like her dog!)

Nielsen’s - Where Everybody Knows Your Name

I love Vienna. I’m new to the area; relocated from a rural part of North Carolina just 8 months ago. (It should be noted that while I live in Oakton, I hear even that is considered an annex of Vienna.) Being a military wife and moving a lot, it’s challenging for my family to find new places that we consider to have a home-like quality about them.

Neilsen’s is an authentic brick building with original wood floors and an air of vintage parlor shop to it. A central rock fireplace surrounded by family style dining room tables and chairs welcomes guests for hours on end. This is the place to do homework, read the paper, people watch and enjoy the best custard outside of the birthplace, Coney Island. A perfect Vanilla and dreamy Chocolate are always available along with two unique flavors offered daily. Options include toppings like Andes mint, coconut and fresh berries. Don’t forget to ask about the Concrete style custard, it puts Coldstone to the test.

Anyone will tell you that the best part about Vienna are the people and Nielsen’s staff are simply passionate about what they do. I love the young employees diligently counting out $20 bills for change, the ladies that meet for lunch, the grandparents with their grandkids and the neighbor dogs that patiently wait outside with their dog friends. This is just the beginning of Church Street and where I’d highly recommend you start and end any stroll that may include boutique shopping, fine dining and other hole in the wall places that are the ambience that makes this the heart of Vienna.

Posted by Krissy Cruse, Buyer Agent, The Belt Team, Keller Williams Realty

EVERYONE LOVES VIENNA - BUT WHY???

This month, the Belt Family (that's my family) celebrates the 40th anniversary of our family moving to Vienna. Our parents, Gail & Jerry Belt moved us here from California as children. Now my brother Terry & I have raised our own children in Vienna. (Shhh - don't ask how old we really are!)

I'm not sure exactly what year the rest of The Belt Team arrived here in Vienna. But I know that like us, Kevin Kleifges arrived as a child, only to raise his sons here as well. Others on our team, like Pauline Knipe, Catharine Via, Susan Hussey and Mary Jane Perry arrived in Vienna as adults, but have also remained and raised families here. And our Client Care Manager, Tara Miller, thinks its the perfect place to raise her dog Casey!

All of us have lived here for years. And we continue to create so many memories here in the town that we call home. If you follow our blog regularly, then you already know that WE LOVE LIVING IN VIENNA, VA.

But here's the thing, we're not the only ones. This week we asked other folks to share why THEY love living here too. And we got some great answers - even some from people who WISHED they lived in Vienna!

Here's what they had to say:

Joseph Preston: "I can walk or bike to EVERYTHING in minutes. 2 major airports within half an hour. And yet there is a 30 acre park at the end of my street and deer are in the front yard every night, and the mayor answers her phone. What could be better?"

Laura Goyer: "I can walk to everything I need! I have friends who have become family. There are people here who have my back and will tell me if they see my kids stepping out."

Marion Serfass: "I can go to Giant in the middle of cooking something for that ingredient I forgot, the bike path, the Halloween parade in our front yard, the schools, the people, and whatever everyone else said! For a parent who works outside the house, the ability to get all my errands done quickly because everything you need is right here."

Valerie Taylor: ""The Halloween Parade, Octoberfest, the bike path, Water's field, Marshall/Madison games, Viva Vienna (ok for the kids), breakfast at the Virginian, of course the INN and save the best for last - Dunn Loring Swim Club and Friday cornhole league!!

Kathy Thiringer: "I love it when I ask my kids if THEY mind growing up in the same town all their lives (I moved around a lot) and they say that they love Vienna, always seeing people they know, feeling safe. Along with the "eyes" of friends, I, too, know that if they ever needed help, someone would step in to help them (like the guy who called 911 when Stephen took a header off his bike near the caboose)."

Elizabeth DiFrancisco: "I love (most of the time) being able to go ANYWHERE in Vienna and seeing people I know. I love that I have 5000 eyes around town keeping the Village Eye on my kids and helping to keep them safe. (or letting me know when I need to step in)."

Ellen Schaad: "I used to be within easy walking distance of Pie Gourmet!"

Teresa Schultz: "Very little crime due to our fine police force."

John Schultz: "As long as you don't count me forgetting to take the trash out a crime."

Tara MacCall: "The community spirit-the people, the schools-everything I need is within two miles, the Community Center-the parks-the Vienna Inn-the fact the checkout person at my grocery store knows me and my kids. And believe it or not, I love the trees, just not as much in the fall."

Colleen Geiger: "From someone who lives on the outskirts but with a Vienna address . . . it just feels like our hometown. Once there it's easy to hit every stop on the to do list and you have a good chance to stop for coffee with a friend along the way."

Lynn Kelliher: "Loved growing up here. Loved raising my kids here."

Colleen Geiger: "Oh and the boys loved it when they were old enough to take the bike trail in to town and walk around and go out to lunch. A safe place to let them feel their independence."

Tara MacCall: "Living in Vienna means going to a high school JV basketball game where the referee congratulated my daughter on a great game and making the JV team-he hugged me-since he has been reffing her games since she was in 4th grade. "

Marie Gadell: "I agree with every comment made! I love being able to walk to shops, restaurants, activities (Viva Vienna), and friends. I love that so many friends are watching out for my kids and I theirs. Running into friends all over Vienna. Even if you don't know them personally, there is always a kind smile."

Joseph Preston: "To add to what Marie said, there is a "town" feel here that I have not experienced anywhere else - Fairfax, Leesburg, Springfield just to name a few. We have lived at our current address a bit over two years and we have a t least met everyone for a radius of a block or so around us. We know our neighbors, they know us, we watch their houses, they watch ours, and it's a real neighborhood. Vienna seems to be more like that than anywhere in the area that I know of."

If this sounds like the place you'd like to live, contact The Belt Team. It would be a pleasure to help make your dreams come true!

The "Secret" Side of Vienna, VA (Shhh Don't Tell Anyone!)

Did you know that Vienna has a "secret side"?

Well, it's really not so secret - if you know where to look!

We can't share ALL our secrets (after all, then they wouldn't be secrets any more!), but here are a few to get you going. And feel free to share your Vienna secrets below!

1. "SECRET SHOWS"!

Recently, I went to a "secret concert" at one of my favorite music venues - Jammin Java. If you've never been there, you're really missing something special. As one of the band members said that night, "The rumor that this is a coffee house is out the window!". You might think by its name (including the word "Java") that it's a coffee house. They do have coffee (along with a full bar and great food). But you'd be missing the "Jammin" part. And boy was it jammin last time I was there!

And that brings me back to the "secret" part. I follow Mei, the "Jammin Java Door Gal" on Twitter. And one night, lo and behold, a tweet came out saying there would be a "secret concert" the following night. If you recall, Taylor Swift was recently in town and Need To Breathe, the band that had opened for her at the Verizon Center, was going to "secretly" appear at Jammin Java for their own concert. Needless to say, the secret spread quickly. Not so secret anymore. And tickets that went on sale at 10PM were sold out by 5AM the next morning - the fastest this band has ever sold out.

I can't tell you how much fun it was. The band had a blast and their joy was contagious. You could tell how much they appreciated "jammin" together in such a small venue after traveling the country in big venues like the Verizon Center. It was truly a magical night.

And this isn't the first time Jammin Java has had a "secret show". If you have teenage daughters (or "tweeners"), you might recognize the name Nick Jonas. So who performed "secretly" at Jammin Java back in February - the day before he performed at The White House? Yup - you got it - Nick Jonas.

2. "SECRET MENU ITEMS"

One of our favorite Vienna restaurants is Maple Avenue Restaurant - MAR for short. (For you "old-timers" - it's where the "old Anita's" used to be, for you "newcomers" - it's across the street from Panera). MAR offers a super intimate, fun dining experience. (You can read a review here.) Their menu changes frequently, but it's always fresh & inventive.

Now comes the "secret" part. If you follow MAR on Facebook or Twitter, they sometimes announce "secret menu items". The servers will not mention them as specials when they bring your menu, but if you tell them you saw it on Facebook or Twitter, then you get a sweet opportunity to sample something extra special. Sometimes it's items that are being demo'd. Sometimes it's because they only have a small quantity of something. But it's always yummy. We liked the baked mac special one night. I know that doesn't sound exciting - but boy was it good! Chef Tim Ma has a way of taking something you might think of as pedestrian and turning it into a culinary masterpiece. (He also has a hilarious sense of humor with comments on Twitter like "Did we get pulled over on our scooter by vienna police? Yes. Was it because they were bored? yes. Was it embarassing, absolutely." and "MAR will close early tonight, staff will be taking pickleback shots, then heading over to the potato sack slide at #vivavienna. don't judge.")

Other local restaurants & eateries let you in on the "secret" when they have new menu items or when they are about to take items off the menu so you can get them one last time before they disappear.

3. "SECRET DISCOUNTS"

In today's economy, who doesn't want a discount? Well, a lot of Vienna's local businesses are turning to social media to spread the word about their products and services. It's no or low cost advertising for them. AND, if you pay attention - you can take advantage of the "secret discounts" they often offer. Here are some examples we've made the most of (note - these are not current discounts - most of these "secrets" are for one day only and sometimes just for a few hours).

Caffe Amouri - "50 cents off iced drinks"

Pure Pasty - "Buy a chicken marsala pasty and get a 2nd one for $1"

Whole Foods Vienna - "After you get your chicken breasts for only $3.99/lb head to customer service and say "I'm not chicken, but I'm all natural". You'll get a delicious bottle of marinade on the house."

Sweetleaf Cafe - Get an extra veggie topping on a salad "created by you" for free.

(If all this sounds too complicated, just follow The Belt Team on Twitter. We tend to "retweet" all kinds of great info about Vienna, because as you know, WE LOVE LIVING IN VIENNA and THERES NO PLACE LIKE VIENNA (Dot Com!) (And for Vienna real estate "secrets", you can follow us on our blog or find us on Facebook.)

There are lots more things to find on Vienna's "Secret Side" - but some things just have to stay secret! What are you favorite secrets about Vienna?

NO MORE MEAT & POTATOES!

If you're a "foodie" like I am, then Vienna, VA is DEFINITELY the place for you! Who needs to travel to New York or Paris or Rome when you've got such an array of restaurants here at home?

A few weeks ago, we finally got a chance to try Maple Avenue Restaurant (MAR). (For you "old-time Vienna-ites" - it's in the location where "the original Vienna Anita's" used to be - just across Maple Avenue from Magruder's).

We've been wanting to try MAR for a while, but just haven't had the time. We've been following them on Facebook and the specials they post always sound yummy. And boy was it worth the wait!

The night we chose for our first visit was Valentine's Day - probably not the ideal day to try a new place - but nevertheless, that's what we did. I was worried that on such a busy night, the service might be lacking. But thankfully I had nothing to worry about. It was great. I can only imagine on a "regular" night, that it must just be stellar!

The atmosphere of the restaurant is sleek & modern. Some might call it stark, but I like the floor-to-ceiling windows and the elegant simplicity. And there is nothing simple about the food. THIS is where MAR excels. They describe their cuisine as "eclectic American Cuisine in the heart of Vienna, Virginia blending American with Asian, Latin American, French flavors and techniques."

Normally they have a very reasonable menu with "small plates", "main plates" and "dessert plates" - kind of a tapas-style thing - with all kinds of delightful sounding bites. (I'd give you a list of some sample dishes, but they change the menu frequently based on what's fresh.) Since it was Valentine's Day, the menu was prix-fixe and a little pricey. So, would the food live up to our expectations?

Well, we enjoyed four courses and each one was better than the last. Here's what we had:

• Jicama and Granny Smith Apple Salad (with a ginger lime vinaigrette)
• Saffron Coconut Milk Mussels
• Argentinean Sausage with Housemade Chimichurri Sauce (on a bed of frisee)
• Panko Lollipop Lamb Chops & Creme Fraiche Mashed Potatoes

The courses may sound simple, but the flavors were complex and perfectly melded together. Definitely not your "same old - same old"! It was truly a symphony of food, where each course built upon the one before - until you reached the highlight of the meal.

Did we have room for dessert? Well, at least one of us did - but to tell you the truth, I can't even remember what it was. I think we were in a coma of happiness by then!

We will DEFINITELY go back to MAR . . . because based on what we tasted, we'd like to try ANYTHING Chef Tim Ma wants to make. (And this includes my "meat & potatoes" husband!)

PS - Maple Avenue Restauarnt also has a "food truck" that makes the rounds sometimes in the Vienna - McLean area. If you follow them on Facebook, you'll see when they take the truck out & where it will be. AND you'll see the specials posted. (For example, on Thursday it said "sweetbreads are here" and "Soup: roasted piquillo pepper served with Firefly Farms goat cheese and parsley. Wine: $5.00 chardonnay, shiraz and godiva white chocolate coffee. Sweet plate: apple pistachio pie served with salted caramel sauce."

Sounds tempting, doesn't it?!

Fabulous food . . . just another reason why WE LOVE LIVING IN VIENNA, VA!

What's your favorite restaurant in Vienna?

8 Things You Must Do In Vienna Before Summer Ends

It's not really summer in Vienna until ______________ (fill-in-the-blank).

The temperatures are becoming a little more moderate. (Well, 80's sure beats 90's/100's doesn't it?!) And that means the summer season is coming to a close. I know summer doesn't "technically" end until about September 22nd, but when "Back-To-School" comes around - doesn't it feel like summer is over?

So you're back from vacation & back in Vienna. How did you fill in the blank in the sentence above? If you filled it in with something you haven't done yet - don't worry - you still have a few days left.

Here are a few of the ways we would fill in the blank:

*** It's not really summer in Vienna until we picnic on the lawn & catch a performance at Wolftrap. We recently had a casually elegant picnic at the top of the sledding hill at Wolftrap and then rocked out at The Counting Crows concert. Now THAT's what I'm talking about! And it's not too late. You can still catch Donna Summer, Tony Bennett, "The Sound of Music", "The Ultimate Doo Wop Show", "The Lord of The Rings", Abba, Jackson Browne & the Golden Dragon Acrobats from China!



*** It's not really summer in Vienna until we enjoy a meal al-fresco and there are lots of options. My daughter & I recently shared a meal at Noodles (a super-popular destination for those with children in tow). Or you can try Sushi Yoshi or Church Street Cellars (both on charming Church Street).



*** It's not really summer in Vienna until we have grown or eaten so many tomatoes that we can't bear the thought of making or eating another jar of marinara sauce or another caprese salad. If you haven't had your fill of tomatoes yet, you can find the best ones at the Vienna Farmer's Market or the cute little organic market across the street from Whole Foods.



*** It's not really summer in Vienna until we have splashed in the fountains at the Vienna Town Green (or at least dipped our toes in!).





*** It's not really summer in Vienna until we have jogged, walked, run, rode, strolled the W&OD Trail. (And don't forget - it's slow to the right, pass on the left!)



*** It's not really summer in Vienna until we have gotten ice cream or custard, walked outside and attempted (unsuccessfully) to eat it before it melts. And you've got lots of options here - Neilsen's Custard Store, Baskin Robins, Dairy Queen and Cold Stone Creamery - to name a few. We haven't done this one yet - so I'm thinking we should have a family taste-test contest and make the rounds of all four! (And PS - Neilsen's even has curb-side pick up if you call ahead!)

*** It's not really summer in the Town of Vienna until we have finished our Spring cleaning and called in for a "special pickup". (Yes - we know Spring cleaning is meant to be done in the Spring, but some folks don't get around to it until school is out!) If you live in the Town of Vienna - you receive two free "special pick-ups" per year for things you may not be able to recyle - like discarded furniture, brush, playground equipment, things you couldn't sell at your garage sale (or even give away). Check the requirements here.

*** It's not really summer in Vienna until we catch a FREE concert at either the Vienna Town Green or Nottoway Park. The Vienna Town Green series has wound down, but you can still catch The Grandsons (rockabilly/wing/lounge music) at 7:30PM on the 26th at Nottoway Nights!

Lastly, while some people mourn the end of summer (and if that's you, then you can extend summer a little bit by attempting the entire list above) - here's an old commercial that presents another point of view:

Endless summer . . . just another reason why WE LOVE LIVING IN VIENNA!

"Be A Winner and Eat Your Dinner"

"Be a winner and eat your dinner". My Dad used to say that to me almost every night when I was a kid. I had a small appetite and he was always encouraging me to eat more. Well - I don't have that problem any more (darn it!). I really enjoy dining out. And that means I always look forward to "D.C. Restaurant Week"!

Twice a year, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan DC sponsors a week where local restaurants offer 3-course fixed price meals. The cost is $20.10 for lunch and $35.10 for dinner. This summer, "DC Restaurant Week" takes place from August 16-22. Some restaurants offer both specially priced meals and some offer just one or the other. It's a chance to try places you might not normally go to - maybe splurge a little - or try that place you've been hearing everyone talk about.

And if you live in Vienna, Virginia - you don't have to go all the way to DC for "DC Restaurant Week" because it comes to you! So take out your daytimer - ask your spouse out for a date - grab your girlfriends - and try one of the restaurants listed below. (Note - we included restaurants in Tysons Corner even though they are "technically" in McLean because we really think of Tysons as Vienna).

“After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one's own relations.” Oscar Wilde

Capital Grille

"Find me a man who's interesting enough to have dinner with and I'll be happy.” Lauren Bacall

Chef Geoff's

“Never argue at the dinner table, for the one who is not hungry always gets the best of the argument” Richard Whately

Chima Brazilian Steakhouse

"A man seldom thinks with more earnestness of anything than he does of his dinner." Samuel Johnson

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse

"All great change in America begins at the dinner table." Ronald Reagan

La Sandia

"Dinner was made for eating, not for talking." William Makepeace Thackeray

Lebanese Taverna

"I like to be bought flowers and taken out for dinner. I like a man to be a gentleman. I don't like to be treated as if I am brainless. I like to be respected and to give respect." Sharon Stone

Maplewood Grill

"It is easy enough to be moral after a good dinner beside a snug coal fire, and with our hearts well warmed with fine old port." Henry Mayhew

Morton's Steakhouse

"Make your having dinner out become The Event of the Night, instead of just the beginning." John Walters

Panache

"Never argue at the dinner table, for the one who is not hungry always gets the best of the argument." Voltaire

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

"Show me another pleasure like dinner which comes every day and lasts an hour." Charles Maurice de Talleyrand

The Palm

"Some people ask the secret of our long marriage. We take time to go to a restaurant two times a week. A little candlelight, dinner, soft music and dancing. She goes Tuesdays, I go Fridays." Henny Youngman

Wildfire

DC Restaurant Week . . . just another reason why WE LOVE LIVING IN VIENNA, VA!

(More posts about restaurants in Vienna: "Bazin's On Church", "It's Friday Night - What Should We Do", "Travel Around The World - Right Here in Vienna" )

It's Friday Night - What Should We Do?

Well, if you live in Vienna, Virginia - you have LOTS of options - and you don't even have to leave Vienna! Here are some ideas for this coming Friday, May 21st:

Catch a performance or some "live music":

• "The Mikado" done by the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players at Wolftrap (tickets are $8-$48)
• Ellis Paul & Michael Clem (Eddie From Ohio) at Jammin Java (tickets are $20)
• The Splinters at the Vienna Town Green (FREE)
• Reinhardt Liebig in the Piano Bar at Maplewood Grill (NO COVER CHARGE)
• "Verbal Assault" - an open mic for poetry, monologues, etc at The Soundry (FREE)

Try a new restaurant or a new cuisine:

• Italian - Bonaroti
• French - Cafe Renaissance
• Japanese (and a variety of other Asian dishes) - Sweet Ginger
• Vegetarian - Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant
• Rose Kabab Restaurant
• Greek - Plaka Grill
• Chinese - Wu's Garden
• Mexican - Tequila Grande or Anita's
• Turkish - Nizam's
• Thai - Natta Thai
• Brazilian - Chima Steahouse

Pack a picnic and enjoy one of Vienna's parks:

• Glyndon Park - tennis, basketball, ball field, picnic area, playground equipment, walking trails
• Meadow Lane Park - tennis, ball field, picnic area, palyground equipment
• Northside Park - 26 acre undeveloped park
• Southside Park - ball field, sand volleyball, basketball
• Peterson Lane Park - playground, basketball, open fields
• Moorefield Park - Nottaway Park - ball fields, soccer field, picnic area, sand volleyball, fitness trail, nature paths
• Sarah Walker Mercer Park - walking paths & seating areas, lovely landscaping
• Meadowlark Botanical Gardens - the "piece-de-resistance" of Vienna parks!

What are YOU doing for fun in Vienna? We'd love to know!

Bazin's On Church

Last night we decided to take advantage of Bazin's suggestion to "Wine Down After Work".

Bazin's on Church is a fabulous upscale restaurant in Vienna. It's owned by Patrick & Julie Bazin. Patrick is former Executive Chef of the historic Occidental in Washington DC. It's a very inviting place - with soaring ceilings & expansive windows, gleaming wood & exposed brick and a contemporary look that manages to be warm & welcoming at the same time.

Bazin's has a very small bar (it seats maybe 10?) and if you visit the bar between 4:30 and 7:00 Tuesday to Thursday, you can try their wines-by-the-glass at half price. They have a very extensive list of wines by the glass. Most places have a chardonnay or two, a pinot grigio, maybe a merlot, a cab and a shiraz - but Bazin's offers 7 champagnes, 14 whites, 14 reds and 5 roses by the glass. (The full wine list is even more vast!) So if you're in a "rut" and always drink the same wine when you go out to dinner, it's a great way to try something new.

Last night's bartender was Chris. He's definitely an asset to Bazin's. With super friendly eyes and a low key, but still charming manner, he definitely made us feel welcome. And he was great about answering a million questions about the wines - both patient and knowledgeable. He doesn't just pour drinks, he's truly a professional bartender.

By about 7:30PM, the restaurant was full and there was a nice hum of families & friends catching up on their daily activities - maybe a few business diners, but mostly locals who appreciate having a fine dining restaurant so close to home. With all the wonderful dishes walking by the bar and the smells wafting temptingly through the air, we decided to have dinner at the bar too.

And all I can say is WOW. They do offer a special "Rush Hour Dinner" from 5-6Pm on Tuesday to Thursday (3 courses for $26.95), but we ordered off the regular dinner menu. Well, kind of. We started out with the baked fontina with toasted bread, garlic & thyme as an appetizer. It reminded me of being in Switzerland or Canada and ordering raclette, but with different flavors. Yum! And then we moved on to dinner. My husband ordered the veal medallions with bacon & a red wine sauce. And the risotto on the side was "to die for". I have no idea what it was, but it tasted like mac n cheese - except better because it was risotto .

I, on the other hand texted my girlfriend who comes to Bazin's a lot and asked her what to get. (Her father taught Emeril Lagasse how to cook in culinary school, so unlike me, she is a real "foodie"). Among other things (the miso sea bass and blue cheese flatiron steak), she recommended the lump crabmeat salad with avocado, cucumber, microgreens and a passion fruit vinaigrette. Well, that sounded great, but it's not on the dinner menu. She told me to ask if they would do it (it's on the lunch menu). So I did - - - and of course they said yes. And I'm so glad they did. You might think that all lump crabmeat salads are the same - but NOT this one. Oh yeah baby!

After dinner, we finished with a warm chocolate tart, chocolate sorbet & chantilly creme. Plus some coffee & more chantilly creme. And then it was time to roll on home . . . sated & satisfied.

And only 1 mile to the house!

I LOVE LIVING IN VIENNA!

More posts about restaurants in Vienna: Travel Around The World Right Here in Vienna