Taim Mediterranean Kitchen in Reston has permanently closed just four months after its opening.
The New York-based chain, known for its falafel, initially held a grand opening at 11692 Plaza America Drive in Reston on Dec. 6. However, the restaurant suddenly closed this month without warning.
The closure of Taim Mediterranean Kitchen in Reston was not announced on the company’s social media accounts, but Google has marked it as “permanently closed.” When FFXnow contacted its sister restaurant in D.C., a manager confirmed that the closure is permanent.
The owner did not respond to a request for more information by press time.
Taim has 13 eateries along the eastern seaboard, nearly all of which are in New York. There is one location in D.C., and another was planned for Vienna, although there have been no updates on its opening.
None of the company’s other locations appear to have closed, according to Google.
Cat declawing to be banned in Virginia — “Veterinarians will not be allowed to declaw cats in Virginia starting in July, unless there are certain ‘therapeutic’ reasons to do so.” [ABC8]
Proposed 4-cent tax hike prompts community debate — “The proposed Fairfax County budget comes with a hefty real estate tax increase, and a lot of opinions from community members.” [WUSA9]
Historic McLean garden tour returns this weekend — “This walking tour showcases Ballantrae Farm — a 6.5-acre estate with a 1923 Colonial Revival manor house, a c. 1843 farmhouse and extensively landscaped grounds with areas for outdoor entertaining, a sunken tennis court, a hidden treehouse, and a walled kitchen garden.” [Eventbrite]
Two Florida men arrested for string of car break-ins at Fairfax parks — “Fairfax County police say two Florida men are under arrest and have been charged in connection with a string of car break-ins at parks across the Virginia county during a nearly two-year period.” [WTOP]
It’s Thursday — Expect a mostly sunny day with temperatures reaching a high near 79 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 6 to 10 mph. As for Thursday night, the clouds will increase and the temperature will drop to around 51 degrees, with an east wind at 6 to 9 mph. [NWS]
The Lake Anne Plaza summer concert series is making a comeback after a five-year break.
Beginning on Wednesday, June 12, the community will host weekly music events every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. in the plaza until Aug. 12, per a press release. Before 2019, the concert series, known as “Sunset Concerts at Lake Anne Plaza,” had been held consistently for 20 years.
“We are delighted to bring a high-quality variety of musical styles to Lake Anne again,” Reston Community Center (RCC) Board Chair Beverly Cosham said in the release. “Lake Anne Plaza is where RCC’s summer concert series began. As we’ve branched out to some of Reston’s newest neighborhoods, it’s sweet to be back where we started in 2024.”
RCC has agreed to support Reston nonprofit events at Lake Anne Plaza by becoming an annual Community Sponsor.
This sponsorship will allow the the Lake Anne of Reston Condominium Association (LARCA) to waive use fees for Reston nonprofits hosting events on the plaza. RCC will also have its concert series fees waived. Two sponsorships will be implemented this year: one for $12,000 covering plaza events in May and June, and another for $50,000 starting July 1, covering events until June 30, 2025.
“We are happy to host RCC-funded Reston area organized events on our property for the enjoyment of the greater Reston community, while at the same time ensuring the maintenance, cleaning, and insuring costs are not borne by the association,” President of LARCA George Hadjikyriakou said in the release. “We look forward to the continued partnership as it benefits everyone.”
The first event is scheduled for June 12, featuring a performance by the Mystic Warriors.
A juvenile was arrested for allegedly abducting and raping an adult woman in Reston.
The incident occurred just before 11:30 p.m. on April 15 in the laundry room of an apartment building on the 11900 block of Winterthur Lane, according to a Fairfax County Police Department press release. The victim was threatened with a knife before being sexually assaulted, police say.
Detectives from the Major Crimes Bureau quickly identified and apprehended the suspect following the incident. The juvenile is now being held at the Fairfax County Juvenile Detention Center on charges of rape, forcible sodomy and abduction with the intent to defile, without the possibility of bond.
According to police, the victim recognized the suspect from the area, but does not know them.
Reston is sort of an odd duck — an Epcot-like planned community named for its founder Robert E. Simon — and anyone curious about how it came together can learn all about it at a walking tour this weekend.
The Reston Museum has opened registration for a historic walking tour.
The tours are scheduled for 10 a.m.-11 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, April 27, May 18 and May 25.
“Learn about the founding of Reston through our historic walking tour,” the Reston Museum said. “Learn about how Reston’s founding principles were implemented and the early history of Reston’s art and architecture.”
Tickets are $10 for non-museum members or free for museum members.
Fairfax Schools could lose millions under proposed Youngkin budget amendments — “Fairfax County Public Schools would lose over $6 million in funding for English language learners in each of the next two years, as a result of Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s proposed changes to the state’s budget.” [WTOP]
Caboose Commons is hosting Women’s Market — “Female-owned Caboose Commons is hosting Women’s Market Sunday afternoon in the Mosaic District, featuring more than 20 women vendors.” [Patch]
Fairfax students use AI to create an algorithm for classifying brain signals — “Ramachandran said he and Nalini considered different types of available technology for analyzing brain signals. In some cases, patients get implants, which Ramachandran said are innovative but ‘require a level of invasiveness that isn’t really ideal for everyone.'” [WTOP]
Non-fatal student overdose reported at Falls Church High School — “A non-fatal student overdose was reported at Falls Church High School Monday, Fairfax County police said.” [ABC7]
It’s Wednesday — Expect showers with possible thunderstorms after 5pm, cloudy skies, and a high near 70 accompanied by a southeast wind at 5-7 mph. Precipitation chance stands at 70%, with new rainfall amounts generally under a tenth of an inch, although higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms. On Wednesday night, there’s a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 pm, with showers likely and possible thunderstorms between 8 pm and 2 am, followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 am. The night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 59, southeast wind at 6-8 mph, and a 60% chance of precipitation. Similar to the day, new rainfall amounts will be less than a tenth of an inch except for potentially higher amounts in thunderstorms. [NWS]
The Fairfax County Park Authority is seeking feedback from residents on proposed improvements to the basketball court at South Lakes Drive Park in Reston.
Below is a list of the proposed improvements, according to the park authority’s website.
- Repaving the court surface
- Installing perimeter paneling and gates
- Adding combination futsal/basketball goals
- Constructing an ADA accessible pathway
The improvements at 11951 South Lakes Drive are part of a broader initiative to meet the increasing demand for sports facilities across the county, per the county’s website.
“The Park Authority is committed to improving recreational opportunities for a diverse array of recreational opportunities, including relatively young sports with a rapidly growing interest such as pickleball and futsal,” spokesperson for the park authority Ben Boxer told FFxnow.
Earlier this month, the park authority announced that the basketball court at McLean Central Park is also undergoing renovations.
According to Boxer, the upgrades are financed through multiple channels, including park authority maintenance budgets, ARPA funds, grants and additional third-party sources.
The survey, which was published last week, will remain open until 5 p.m. on May 10.
An au pair linked to a fatal shooting last year in Herndon has been officially charged with murder.
On Monday (April 15), a grand jury indicted Juliana Peres Magalhaes, a 23-year-old live-in au pair from Brazil, on charges of second-degree murder and use of a firearm, according to a press release from Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano.
Magalhaes was arrested last year for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 39-year-old Joseph Ryan at the Herndon home of her employers, Christine and Brendan Banfield.
Christine Banfield was allegedly killed by Ryan, who reportedly stabbed her. The nature of the relationship between Ryan and Christine Banfield remains unclear, though it has been suggested they may have been having an affair.
At a preliminary hearing last month, a Fairfax County judge ruled there was sufficient evidence for Peres Magalhaes’ case to proceed to trial.
During the hearing, prosecutors proposed that the deaths of Ryan and Christine Banfield may have been part of a conspiracy involving Peres Magalhaes and Brendan Banfield, who were allegedly also having an affair at the time.
The evidence presented at the hearing included several framed photographs of Brendan Banfield and Juliana Peres Magalhaes embracing, along with a woman’s robe hanging off a dresser, all found in Brendan Banfield’s bedroom seven months after the shooting, at the time of Peres Magalhaes’ arrest.
Prosecutors also alleged that Brendan Banfield and Peres Magalhaes visited a shooting range in Ashburn a few months before the incident and had replaced their personal cell phones just days before the shooting. Brendan Banfield returned to the range a month later to purchase a handgun, though it has not been confirmed if it was used on Ryan.
According to prosecutors, Brendan Banfield initially shot Ryan after he allegedly saw him stab his wife. Peres Magalhaes then allegedly shot Ryan a second time, resulting in his death. Prosecutors argued that the second shot was unwarranted as Ryan was already incapacitated after the first shot.
Peres Magalhaes has not been convicted. Instead, a majority of grand jurors, distinct from a trial jury, agree with the judge that there is sufficient evidence to advance her case to trial.
A trial date is expected to be set on Thursday, April 18.
The Red Bird is now serving up six tiers of hot chicken in Reston.
The halal hot chicken chain has joined the roster of restaurants in South Lakes Village Center (11120 South Lakes Drive) after opening its first Northern Virginia franchise location in Vienna five months ago.
The Red Bird did not respond to a request for comment by press time. The company has previously said it also has plans to open in Arlington, Falls Church and Ashburn.
The Reston location is currently open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., while the Vienna spot (282 Cedar Lane) is open until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday (and until 9 p.m. on Sunday).
The chicken sandwiches and tenders range from mild to extra hot and comes with a three-inch potato roll.
The chain aims to serve a range of diners, from a college student to a “big-time baller,” per its website. Its sandwich is priced at $4.99, and a single tender goes for $3.29.
Hot chicken, which was first popular in Black communities in Nashville, has seen increased prevalence in recent years.
South Lakes Village Center also features Mediterranean bistro Cafesano, Lakeside Asia Cafe, Red’s Table and a Chipotle. The Red Bird was expected to open in February, per the shopping center’s Facebook page.
South Lakes Village Center is also in the midst of a spring concert series. This Saturday (April 20), acoustic duo Duck Chuck Goose will perform from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Photo via VARedBird/Instagram
5 Fairfax Restaurants nominated for RAMMY awards — “Fairfax City-area restaurants are among the finalists for the 2024 RAMMYs, the regional restaurant and food service awards held by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW).” [Patch]
Ribbon cut on new Vietnam exhibition at George Mason University — “To mark the beginning of a broader academic connect between George Mason University and leading universities in Viet Nam, the Costello College of Business at George Mason University and University Libraries officially opened a special exhibition…” [GMU]
Fairfax County school making prom season more affordable — “Schick and the students’ efforts have resulted in the shop now offering students plenty of choices, with the chance to take home a dress for free. The shop has become so big that it’s attracting kids from D.C., Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, she said.” [WTOP]
It’s Tuesday — Expect a mostly sunny day with a high around 75 and a northeast wind at 6 mph, shifting to the south in the afternoon. Tuesday night brings a 40% chance of showers after 2am and a mostly cloudy sky with a low of 56. The south wind will persist at 6 mph. [NWS]
Andy’s Pizza hiring for new location in Point 50 shopping center — “A ‘We’re Hiring’ sign has been placed on the front of the Andy’s Pizza location in the Point 50 shopping center, an indication that the restaurant may soon be opening in the former home of Matchbox Pizza.” [Patch]
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has just been issued, as some strong storms approach Fairfax from the northwest.
Fairfax, the District and other neighboring counties — as well as points west, south and east — are all covered by the watch, which is in effect until 10 p.m.
The National Weather Service says large hail, frequent lightning, and scattered wind gusts up to 70 mph are possible with the storms that are developing.
The earliest arriving storms can currently be seen on radar, over Loudoun and Montgomery counties.
More, below, from NWS via social media.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, and the District of Columbia, until 10 PM EDT. Large hail and damaging winds are the main threats. pic.twitter.com/Yr3innCAGN
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 15, 2024
Scattered severe thunderstorms likely along/south of I-66/US-50 this afternoon. Large hail & damaging wind will be the main threats, along with lightning strikes. The strongest storms are most likely around the Fredericksburg to far Southern MD area. #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx #DCwx pic.twitter.com/qX3aQ3o1xl
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 15, 2024
Firefighters at Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Station 25 shared a cheeky message welcoming the new bridge at the Washington and Old Dominion Trail.
“We Wiehle like this new bridge,” said a note on the message sign outside the fire station.
Construction on the 147-foot-long bridge started in March 2023 and the new pedestrian bridge was installed this weekend over Wiehle Avenue. The new bridge replaced an at-grade crossing over the street.
While the bridge is now in place, it isn’t scheduled to open for use until mid-June.
Photo via Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department/Facebook
A home-based golf instruction facility is coming soon to a half-acre of land on 1051 Kelso Road in Great Falls.
Next Level Golf — a local golf instruction company — hopes to open a golf instruction facility that “fosters golf development for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities, including veterans, individuals with PTSD, disabilities and juniors/adults interested in the sport,” according to the application, which was filed last week.
The company plans to install a green and bunker area for golf lessons. The applicant emphasized that that the company has no intention of installing a driving range or golf course — only a specialized facility focused “solely on golf development activities.”
“The utilization of the land will not pose any harm or distraction to neighboring properties, streets, or roads, and will maintain the agricultural stability of the area. The proposed short game area will span approximately 1/2 acre and will be designed specifically for putting, chipping, and pitching practice within a designated 15,000 square foot area. No chemicals other than those required for normal lawn maintenance will be used, ensuring minimal environmental impact and preserving the integrity of the soil,” the application states.
Next Level Golf also plans to use a portion of a home’s garage — roughly 700 square feet — to install golf simulators that allow indoor training options.
The addition requires a special permit and special permit amendment. The application is in the early stages of the county’s review process and has not yet been formally accepted for review.
Image via Google Maps
New members of Reston Association’s Board of Directors officially took over following the first board meeting after the election.
The new board formally elected its officers following a month-long election and annual meeting this week, where the results were announced.
Izzy Santa and Jalal Mapar will fill two vacant at-large seats on the board, beating out Darin Skelly for the three-year position.
Incumbent Jennifer Jushchuk — who ran unopposed for the South Lakes District seat — was reelected with no fanfare.
Margaret Perry, also an incumbent, triumphed over Carolina Mejia and Lynda McCann-Ovington to serve a two-year term for the apartment owners’ position.
Mapar was formally named board president — a position previously held by John Farrell.
At last night’s meeting, Mapar urged the board to set aside personal agendas and maintain its responsibility to the community.
“We need to put our personal agendas aside and focus on working as a team to serve the community. We all need to do this together,” he said.
Robert Petrine stepped down from the board at the conclusion of his term but accepted the nomination to continue to serve as the board’s treasurer.
County Sues Owners of Burned Annandale Buildings — “Fairfax County has filed suit against the owners of the buildings on Columbia Pike in Annandale that had been destroyed by a fire more than a year ago. Meanwhile, the property owner has lined up a demolition contractor, but the work can’t proceed until the gas is cut off, according to a county official. The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) has reached out to Washington Gas and arranged for Long Fence to put up new fencing.” [Annandale Today]
Park Authority to Join Earth Day Celebrations — “Combining efforts with the reusables experts at r.World, the Park Authority will distribute reusable cups and food containers to food and beverage vendors around the site to fill with their respective food items when orders are made.” [Fairfax County Government]
Survey of McLean Citizens Association Released — “Respondents to a recent McLean Citizens Association (MCA) membership survey urged the group continue advocating for responsible development, limited county spending, school accountability, transportation improvements, more parks and recreational opportunities and tree preservation.” [Gazette Leader]
McLean Basketball Court to Get Facelift — “The Fairfax County Park Authority is pleased to announce renovations to McLean Central Park Basketball Court beginning this week. Work crews with contractor ATC will be mobilizing on-site to prepare for work.” [Fairfax County Government]
Venture Capital Firm Relocates HQ to Tysons — “Veteran Ventures Capital, a veteran-led and -owned capital firm, will be moving its headquarters from Knoxville, Tennessee to the Boro Tower on Broad Street, according to news reports. The new HQ is steps away from the Greensboro Metro Station and Tysons Galleria.” [Reston Patch]
It’s Friday — Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected early in the day, followed by a chance of showers between 8am and 11am, and the possibility of showers and thunderstorms returning after 11am. The weather will be partly sunny with a high near 68, accompanied by a west wind of 14 to 16 mph and gusts up to 30 mph. There is a 40% chance of precipitation. Friday night’s forecast includes a chance of showers before 2am, with mostly cloudy skies and a low around 49. The west wind will be around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph and a 30% chance of precipitation. [NWS]
