Berry&BerryRevised

This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Reston Town Center that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement, and private sector employee matters. They write biweekly on RestonNow.

There are several important issues that many executive employees and employers must deal with when negotiating and drafting executive employment agreements. The following checklist contains several key issues and provisions that are instrumental to effective executive employment agreements:

Noncompetition and Restrictive Covenants. Many executive employment agreements include employer restraints or restrictive covenants, including covenants not to compete with the employer and non-solicitation of employer customers and employees, during and for a period of time after the contract term. Most state laws regulate noncompetition agreements and restrictive covenants and base enforceability on different standards and definitions of reasonableness.

Compensation. The executive employment agreement should detail the executive’s salary, commissions, bonuses, incentive compensation, stock options, deferred compensation, and any other compensation. It’s particularly important that both parties check with their tax and financial advisors regarding Internal Revenue Code §409A provisions, if applicable, as there are very specific rules with regard to deferred compensation for key employees of public companies.

Benefits. Most employers detail bonus, pension, profit-sharing, stock option and severance benefits in separate benefit plan documents. If such benefit plans are documented, but not detailed in the executive employment agreement, the benefit plan documents should be included in the agreement by reference to avoid potential problems that could arise if the employer benefit plans are later amended.

Employee handbooks typically cover leave, health, disability and life insurance benefit details unless the executive receives additional or different benefits that should be detailed in the employment agreement. Travel and expense reimbursement details may also be detailed in the employment agreement.

Termination. Termination clauses should be very carefully detailed in executive employment agreements. Consider all of the potential problems that could arise in the employment relationship, including potential disability, death, termination with or without cause (as defined by the agreement, including whether severance could be offered in either case), employer bankruptcy, and employee termination for good reason (as defined by the agreement).

Contract Term. Executive employment agreements typically specify the length of the agreement’s term. The employment agreement’s duration can generally range from one to up to three or more years. The agreement should always specify whether the contract term will automatically renew unless the applicable governing state law implies automatic renewal absent a specific term. Read More

2 Comments

Live Beyond 9 Lives banner

This is a sponsored post by veterinarian Elizabeth Arguelles, owner of Just Cats Clinic at Lake Anne Plaza. She writes weekly on Reston Now.

Some owners choose to have their cat declawed to protect their furniture, other cats in the house or even the hands of any humans sharing the space.

Declawing may sound like a simple and straightforward procedure, but in reality it’s not. It’s actually an amputation of part of the cat’s toe bones and can be very painful. For this reason, many veterinarians do not recommend declawing unless there is a compelling reason why it is necessary. There are many nonsurgical methods of discouraging a cat from scratching or fighting and several nonsurgical ways to improve their behavior.

 Why do cats need their claws?

Claws are not a superfluous part of a cat’s body that can be removed without consequences. Cats are born with claws for a reason. Apart from the most obvious reason — self-defense — claws are an important part of a feline’s anatomy. Unlike us, cats don’t walk on the soles of their feet. They are “digitigrade,” meaning that they walk on their toes. As a result, their entire bodies are designed so that their joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments distribute weight across the toes. Removing the claws and tips of the cat’s toes can upset this delicate balance.

Additionally cats use their claws for exercise and stretching. When their muscles are stiff, cats will often use their claws as an anchor to stretch their back, legs and neck. Without its claws, this becomes much more difficult and less effective.

What happens during a declawing surgery?

A cat’s toe has three bones. During the declawing process, the veterinarian traditionally amputates a section of the last bone, in which the growth plate and the nail are embedded. The surgery can be done with a scalpel or a surgical laser. A surgical laser, or CO2 laser, is the preferred method because it offers cleaner incisions, less inflammation, and less recovery time. After the removal of the bone, the incision sites are closed with the help of surgical skin adhesives or absorbable sutures. Your vet will also typically prescribe oral antibiotics and pain medication for at least 5-7 days after the surgery.

 When is declawing advised?

Your vet will normally only recommend declawing in cases in which it is medically necessary like severe nail infections or tumors.

What are possible alternatives to declawing?

One of the most effective options is consulting with an animal behaviorist, which your vet can recommend. Behaviorists can offer a great point of view and simple home modifications that can help curb your cat’s scratching behavior. By conducting an overall view of your cat’s home life, they are able to see problem areas that may be causing the negative behavior like lack of environmental stimulation. While the answers are certainly not always this simple, having a consultation with a behaviorist can be a great start to understanding your cat’s needs. Read More

5 Comments

Reston Real Estate: Just Listed

This is a sponsored article from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.  

There were 26 new properties that came on the market this week in Reston. We are staying pretty even between new listings and properties going from PENDING to SOLD which is keeping the inventory of properties for sale at about the 2.5 months’ worth. Expect to see activity climb as we move into the Fall months. Year to date numbers are looking great with 722 properties sold for a total of more than $337,000.

Here are a few of the properties that came on the market this past week.

1602 WATERS EDGE LN. 4BR 3.5 Bath. $750,000

 2353 NASHUA CT. 5BR 3.5 Baths. $699,900

11716 DRY RIVER CT. 3BR 3.5 Baths. $454,000

1424 PARK GARDEN LN. 3BR 3.5 Baths. $557,000

1558 NORTHGATE SQ N #32B. 2BR 1 Bath. $222,500

10987 THRUSH RIDGE RD. 3BR 3.5 Baths. $650,000

2 Comment

This week’s Reston Pet of the Week is a feline friend. Meet Betty Lou, who comes to Reston from far away. Here is what her owner, Jennifer, has to say:

Betty Lou was rescued from the streets of New Delhi, India by my friend and colleague Leslie, who fostered her for the first two months of her life. Betty Lou was a tiny kitten and my two older cats helped show her the ways of a house cat.

When I returned to Northern Virginia, Betty Lou was thrilled to watch wildlife and look over the Reston woods from my windows. In fact, in 2013 Betty Lou used her finely tuned hunting skills to protect my home from unwelcome wildlife that had mistakenly entered the premises.

Betty Lou’s favorite beverage is tea. She will drink tea out of a cup if given an opportunity!  She is also a serious catnip junkie. Her favorite past times include playing with toys and my other cats, napping on the cat tree, and patrolling my home for interlopers.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet.

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

5 Comments

Reston Real Estate column banner

This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

The other day, a friend told me her appraisal for a home equity loan came in $40,000 less than comps in her neighborhood. Why did this happen? Because she didn’t realize she needed to clean and straighten the whole house (especially the huge cobwebs in the windows). It was a dark, rainy evening and the house looked dingy from the outside, and they also need to do some upgrades. Granted, the home equity loan is to pay for the upgrades. But still, $40,000 below market value? That is significant.

Do not let this happen to you.

Here is the thing to remember for any appraisal — whether you’re refinancing, apply for a home equity loan, or selling: appraisers are people, and they are just as influenced by physical appearances as buyers are. Your house has to look it’s best when the appraiser comes through lest they appraise the property much lower than it’s worth.

My friend’s story is so common, I decided to do a two-part series on appraisals. Part one includes the steps you need to take to make your property physically appealing. In part two, I’ll discuss the things you can do to make the appraiser’s job easier.

To start, know that physical appearance matters. A lot. Appraisers can assign an “effective age” to your home — this is the age they assign after considering how recent the updates are and the overall condition. Torn wallpaper, vinyl floors curling, threadbare carpets, chipped paint — all of these things add up to the overall age of your home. And that will drive appraisers to comps with the same effective age. So, make your house look good.

1. Spruce it up. Every appraiser I know agrees that it’s important to keep the look, feel, and condition of the property as updated and cared-for as possible. Appraisers probably won’t look under your bed, but they will look at overall how clean the home is. Clean the marks of your walls and the fingerprints around door handles. Wash your windows. Replace the peeling vinyl floor. All of these things actually affect the value of your home, and they add up.

This is also a good time to do some of the upgrades you’ve been thinking about. Paint, new carpets, lights, and plumbing fixtures are relatively low cost upgrades that can make a huge difference in your appraisal. Read More

4 Comments

Live Beyond 9 Lives banner

This is a sponsored post by veterinarian Elizabeth Arguelles, owner of Just Cats Clinic at Lake Anne Plaza. She writes weekly on Reston Now.

External ear canal or outer ear infections are more common in dogs than cats, but your feline friends can also get them. These infections, which are also called otitis externa, are usually caused by bacteria and yeast that accumulates in the ear. They can also result from an infestation of ear mites. Ear mites tend to encourage the development of secondary infections due to bacteria or yeast in the ear canal. Those infections tend to linger even after the mites have gone.

Symptoms of ear infections

The first thing to look at is what your cat is doing with its head. Because ear canals are extremely sensitive, ear infections can cause your cat pain and discomfort. As a result, many cats suffering from ear infections will shake their heads or scratch their ears in an attempt to remove debris or fluid from the ear canal. Some cats might also tilt their heads to one side.

If you notice your cat exhibiting any of these behaviors, make sure to take a look at your cat’s ears. An infected ear may become red and inflamed, and emit a strong odor. You may also observe black or yellow discharge. Sometimes the ear may appear dirty, or there may even be no obvious signs.

Infections caused by ear mites generally show similar symptoms, so it is important to note that ear mite infestation is more common in outdoor cats or kittens. If your indoor adult cat develops an ear infection shortly after a new kitten has joined the household, ear mites may be the cause.

 Diagnosing ear infections

Always take your cat to the vet when you notice any potential signs of an ear infection before cleaning your cat’s ears on your own. Not only will your vet need to see the debris or discharge in your cat’s ear to determine what’s wrong, but you may accidentally cause more harm than good.

First, the vet will examine your cat’s ear with an otoscope, which is an instrument that magnifies and illuminates the inside of the ear. It lets your vet see into the ear canal and rule out other potential causes like tumors and foreign bodies. It also determines whether the eardrum is still intact. When there is excessive debris, discharge or inflammation in the ear canal, or the ear is very painful to touch, your vet might perform a sedated exam and take a sample of the material from the ear canal. It is then examined under a microscope or by ear cytology.

Treating ear infections

Nearly all ear infections can be treated and cured if properly diagnosed. The specific treatment, however, depends entirely on the infection’s cause. For example, if it is the result of a foreign body in the ear canal, your vet can remove it from your cat under sedation.

If the infection is due to yeast or bacteria, your vet may prescribe medication or drops depending on the results of the exam or diagnostic work up. Once your vet identifies the right medication or treatment plan, he or she can show you how to administer the medication properly to your cat.

In some cases, the infection may be so severe that it has closed the ear canal. Medication may be given to reduce the swelling and open the canal. In the severest of cases, surgery may be required. But those instances are fortunately rare.

For more information please visit our Feline Health Library.

 

 

0 Comments

Rental Trends

This is a sponsored post by Taylor Ryan of Apartment Showcase. Rental Trends runs alternating Thursdays on Reston Now.

Moving can be expensive, time consuming, and stressful. Here are some tips to save you from the pitfalls and hassles of moving! For additional tips on moving and finding apartments, stop by the Apartment Showcase blog.

Boxes

Boxes are meant to be free — Have you seen how much brand new cardboard boxes go for these days? U-Haul sells moving “kits” for no cheaper than $68.74. That’s madness! Considering you’re almost certainly going to toss the boxes out after you move, the act of buying those boxes is literally the equivalent to throwing your money away. You may not believe it, but other people fell for buying new boxes. Now they have lightly used boxes that they don’t want to throw away (because they spent money on them), but need the boxes to go away. This may be why craigslist was created. On any given day, you can find an assortment of boxes on the “free” section of craigslist. Find a listing near you and snag yourself enough boxes to get the job done. Always grab more than you think you need.

Packing

Keep similar things together If you’re packing up the kitchen, make it easier on your future self and only pack kitchen supplies in that box and label it. Labeling will help save you trips and keep you organized. The only exception to this rule is below.

Packing supplies  If you’re thinking about buying packing paper for your plates/dishes; don’t. Newspaper does the exact same job. For larger objects that are bit more delicate, use blankets, towels, and clothing to soften the blow. A small note on tape, there isn’t much of a difference between what they sell at the dollar store to what is sold at the Penske truck rental center, except for the price.

Transporting

Renting a truck  Schedule your move in advance. Not only do you want to make sure the Apartment Community knows what day you’ll be moving in, but you need to make sure you have a truck reserved if you need one. You can’t expect to reserve a moving truck the day before your stuff has to be out of your old place. It might make for a funny story later, but it only serves as an agonizingly stressful speed bump in the moving process. Sometimes there are specials and coupon codes online that can save you $20+ on your truck. Do a quick google search for, “Moving truck coupon code” or something similar to it and you’ll find some deals. And just like a rental car, make sure you put gas back in the tank before you return the truck.

Rental truck insurance — A quick google search of “Should I buy insurance on my moving truck” will confuse and worry you. Do you know for certain that your personal auto policy will cover that truck? What are the exceptions in their policy? Before you fork over the extra $25-$50 that might not even cover you in case of an accident, place a quick call to your insurance agent and find what their policy is on moving trucks. You pay them every month to answer your questions.

Read More

2 Comment

Meet, Champ, this week’s Reston Pet of the Week. He’s a rescue dog who is very active. Here is what owner Claire has to say:

My husband, Steve, and I adopted our furry friend, Champ, from Lab Rescue this past January. We fell in love with his cute ears and his goofy, long tongue Champ is a 2 year old lab mix with lots of energy and tons of love. Champ loves to go on runs, play in the water and play ball on the field. He loves all the kids in our neighborhood and loves to watch them play out our front window.
We adopted Champ knowing that he was heartworm positive. In March, we went through the month long treatment to fight the heart worm. We just found out last week that he is no longer has heartworm!! He is such a tough, little guy and he truly is a champ. We are so proud of our buddy.

We are totally in love with Champ and he is the perfect addition to our little family.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet.

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

2 Comments

cindy beyer revised

This is a sponsored column by Cindy Beyer, ASID,NCIDQ. Beyer is a Reston-based interior designer and Reston Now Best Reston Business Award winner. Find her online at www.CindyLBeyer.com.

The interior of your home says a lot about you. Your home is your castle.  Many of my clients have said they couldn’t imagine the results after their project was completed. They say it was the WOW factor. I say, that is why you hired a professional designer.

There are many situations that warrant the hiring a professional interior designer. This includes something as simple as choosing paint and window covering to full scale renovation work such as a new kitchen, bath or lower level. In addition to achieving that WOW factor, a professional interior designer will save their clients’ money in many ways, most importantly the avoidance of costly mistakes.

Not only will a professional designer understand the context of the project, they will have access to many resources and their trained eye can make a world of difference in the final result. And those final results also will improve the value of your home.

My interior design credentials:  American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and National Council for Interior Designer Qualification (NCIDQ) indicate both a formal accredited schooling and certification as a professional. ASID and NCIDQ interior designers are credentialed and must pass comprehensive exams. Professional interior designers are able to work closely with architects and contractors and are comfortable with drawing floor plans, as well as understanding the implications of how interiors will be used as it relates to structural and available floor space.

Beyond floor plans, program management, installation and understanding how structural design will be used in a practical setting, a professional interior designer will also be knowledgeable in color and fabric design, space planning, window coverings, furniture design, architecture and much more. So when you see the initials ASID and NCIDQ next to an interior designer’s name, know they have been through significant amount of formal certification.

When hiring a professional interior designer, it is important to have an understanding of the scope of the work to be done. Let me share with you my process which I use when dealing with clients. Before my initial meeting with a new client, I ask them to spend some time making a list of their needs as well as any pictures they saved of items or rooms they like. Read More

3 Comments

Just Sold

This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.

Summer must be winding down — 27 houses went from PENDING to SOLD this past week in Reston. That is more than twice the number that sold in the previous week, but still off the previous average of 40+.

Here are a few of the homes that recently sold:

  • 1942 CRESCENT PARK DR. List Price $439,900. Sold Price $440,000
  • 2303 MIDDLE CREEK LN. List Price $425,000.Sold Price $425,000
  • 2100 WHISPERWOOD GLEN LN. List Price $325,000. Sold Price $325,000. Seller Subsidy $4,000
  • 1250 NEW BEDFORD LN. List Price $1,084,950. Sold Price $1,069,000
  • 1703 SHAGBARK CIRCLE. List Price $775,000. Sold Price $775,000
  • 11741 SUMMERCHASE CIR #1741-D. List Price. $199,900. Sold Price $199,000. Seller Subsidy $6,000

Click here for a complete list of the properties that sold last week in Reston.

0 Comments

Berry&BerryRevised

This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Reston Town Center that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement, and private sector employee matters. They write biweekly on RestonNow.

On July 7, 2014, President Obama signed into law the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, which made some changes to the existing security clearance process. These changes were not widely reported in the media and many provisions still have not been fully implemented.

The new law puts into effect two key changes for security clearance holders: (1) continuous monitoring and (2) annual reporting requirements. Title V of the new law requires the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to:

  1. Ensure that the background of each employee, officer, or contractor of the intelligence community is monitored continuously to determine his or her eligibility for access to classified information; and
  2. Develop procedures to require sharing of potentially derogatory security information concerning an employee, officer, or contractor of the intelligence community that may impact the eligibility of such individuals for a security clearance.

While the law does not immediately implement these two changes (or explain how the new continuous monitoring system will work), it essentially tasks the DNI with designing a new system to monitor cleared federal employees and contractors so that security concerns get identified as soon as possible.

In the past, clearance holders often had additional time, between their 5- or 10-year renewals before negative information (e.g., an arrest, civil issue, or other security concern) was identified. This has caused a number of concerns such as in the Navy Yard shooting. Even though cleared employees often had a duty to report these issues as they arose, the new provision is designed to enact a process whereby such issues will be identified earlier. The purpose behind the new continuous monitoring system is explained more in this article on the PBS Newshour website.

The law also requires that the DNI develop new procedures for sharing security concerns about a clearance holder between different government agencies responsible for clearance decisions. Another important change in Title VI of the new law includes a number of new whistleblower protections for CIA, DIA, NGA, NSA, DNI, and NRO employees that prohibit retaliation by these agencies for lawful whistleblower disclosures. While the new law leaves a number of issues to be defined, it takes the first step toward tightening the process for clearance holders in maintaining their security clearances.

Our law firm represents and advises federal employees in security clearance matters. If you need legal assistance regarding a security clearance issue, please contact our office at (703) 668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation.  Please also visit and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BerryBerryPllc.

3 Comments

Live Beyond 9 Lives banner

This is a sponsored post by veterinarian Elizabeth Arguelles, owner of Just Cats Clinic at Lake Anne Plaza. She writes weekly on Reston Now.

One of the specific things your veterinarian checks for during routine examinations is whether or not a heart murmur is present. Heart murmurs can happen in any cat at any age, but are particularly common in certain breeds. While it can be alarming to learn that your cat has a heart murmur, not all are dangerous. Cats with more severe murmurs can be managed with good care and with the help of a cardiologist.

What is a heart murmur?

A heart murmur occurs when there is turbulence in the blood as it flows through the heart. It can be heard as a whooshing sound that occurs during the normal heartbeat cycle.

The louder the murmur, the greater the turbulence in the blood passing through in the heart. However, the murmur’s loudness does not always correlate with the severity of the condition or its cause.

Heart murmurs are graded on a scale of I-VI in accordance with their intensity. Grade I murmurs are very soft and quiet, and those of Grade VI are so loud that they can often be felt through the cat’s the chest.

Murmurs are also characterized by their duration and where in the heart cycle they occur. The location also plays a role in determining the volume. Most of the feline murmurs occur during systole, which is the phase of the heart cycle when the heart is contracting to pump out blood.

What kinds of murmurs are there?

There are several different types of murmurs. Some are “innocent” or “physiological,” whereas others are classified as pathologic. An innocent or physiological heart murmur generally has no impact on the cat’s health. It typically has a low intensity, such as Grade I-II out of VI, and does not cause any symptoms or clinical signs. Pathologic murmurs are stronger and tend to affect your cat’s overall health.

Different murmurs are caused by a variety of underlying conditions. For example, a type of innocent feline murmur is often found in young, growing kittens initially appearing around six to eight 8 weeks of age, but typically disappearing by four or five months. Some adult cats can exhibit a physiological murmur when their heart rate increases due to stress and then disappears when the heart rate returns to normal.

Pathologic murmurs often occur because of structural problems in the heart like cardiac disease. These murmurs interrupt or disturb the flow of blood, thereby creating turbulence. Examples of such defects may include a leaky heart valve, a thickening or narrowing of a valve or large blood vessel, or an abnormal hole between the heart chambers. Pathologic murmurs can also be caused by issues that are “extra cardiac” or unrelated to heart disease such as anemia, hypoproteinemia and fevers. Some structural heart problems can be congenital like ventricular septal defects (VSD) or atrial septal defect (ASD). The most common type of acquired heart disease in cats is cardiomyopathy, or weakening of the heart muscle.

How dangerous is a heart murmur?

The prognosis depends entirely on the cause and severity of the murmur. In some cases, especially for innocent or physiological murmurs, no treatment other than monitoring is necessary.

Pathologic murmurs are a greater cause for concern, and the first step is detecting them. Structural or extra cardiac problems are usually accompanied by symptoms caused by the disease. The most common signs include poor appetite, weight loss, breathing problems, pale gums, lethargy or weakness. Because cats are stoic, though, these symptoms may be subtle until the disease advances. It is crucial to have your cat’s heart checked annually at physical exams to catch any potential underlying murmurs or heart disease.

If your vet does detect an abnormal heartbeat or a weak pulse, further diagnostic testing will likely be necessary to determine a treatment plan. Typically a referral to a veterinary cardiologist for further exam and testing like an echocardiogram is needed. The echocardiogram determines the size and movement of the heart while beating, and the Doppler measures the blood flow. Regular monitoring throughout your cat’s life is essential after a heart murmur or heart disease diagnosis. But with the right care and treatment, your furry feline can live a happy and healthy life.

For more information please visit our Feline Health Library.

2 Comment

Reston Pet of the Week: Lucy

Meet Lucy, this week’s Reston Pet of the Week. Here is what her owner, Mark, has to say about her:

Lucy is our very special Foxhound that we love very much! She was originally fostered and then adopted through A Forever-Home Rescue Foundation in Chantily, VA and just made the big move to her own home in Reston with us earlier this year. Lucy may have a loud bark, but is a very friendly dog, especially to women. She’s not much for playing, but she loves to sniff.

Her favorite hobbies include eating any and everything, sleeping in various positions, going on walks on the trails and through the woods, swimming in the Reston lakes, but her favorite activity is cuddling next to her Mom and Dad.

Feel free to stop by and say Hi to Lucy if you see her on our walks around the neighborhood!

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet.

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

3 Comments

Reston Real Estate column banner

This is a sponsored column by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate. She writes twice weekly on Reston Now.

When Paul Swinley opened Cafesano in South Lakes Village Center in 2003, he wanted to create a restaurant that combined quick-casual dining with top quality food in a comfortable environment.

Swinley didn’t see why any of those things needed to be independent of each other. He thought Reston needed a spot where people who wanted a quick bite to eat could also enjoy a fresh, tasty meal — with a glass of wine or beer as well.

It seems everyone in Reston agreed. Cafesano was a success from the moment it opened its doors. Today, this locally owned gem is a favorite for residents and people who work in the nearby office buildings.

“My favorite lunch spot in Reston,” is a common refrain from anyone who has eaten here. No matter when you drop by, there will be a steady stream of people coming through to enjoy pizza, paninis, and kabobs (and, of course, baklava).

Cafesano serves a combination of Italian and Mediterranean flavors, but the the primary rule is that the food be fresh. That, combined with great customer service and a sleek, comfortable dining area with amazing views of Lake Thoreau, has contributed to Northern Virginia Magazine naming it the best restaurant in Northern Virginia for lunch in 2012.

Paul’s goal is always to give his guests a memorable dining experience by providing them with flavorful food and outstanding customer service. Drop by and visit — you’ll agree that Cafesano is one of Reston’s locally owned treasures!

Location: South Lake Village Shopping Center, South Lakes Drive, Reston. Price: Inexpensive. Visit Cafesano online for the the menu.

3 Comments

Just Sold

This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.

Just 10 properties went from pending to sold this past week in Reston. August is a notoriously slow month in real estate — look for things to start picking up as we move into September.

Here are a few of the houses that sold this past week.

  • 11307 STONES THROW DR. Listed for $1,199,000 Sold for $1,110,000. $3,000 in Seller Subsidy
  • 11990 MARKET ST #303. Listed for $715,000. Sold for $702,000
  • 1516 CHATHAM COLONY CT. Listed for $419,000. Sold for $419,000. $10,000 in Seller Subsidy
  • 2274 COCQUINA DR. Listed for $339,000. Sold for $325,000
  • 2438 RIDGEHAMPTON CT. Listed for $318,800. Sold for $318,800. $1,020 in Seller Subsidy
  • 2161 GOLF COURSE DR. Listed for $428,900. Sold for $424,500. $1,500 in Seller Subsidy
  • 2258 COMPASS POINT LN. Listed for $1,399,000. Sold for $1,325,000. $6,000 in Seller Subsidy
  • 11300 HARBOR CT #113. Listed for $452,000. Sold for $443,000. $2,000 in Seller Subsidy
  • 2187 POND VIEW CT. Listed for $395,000. Sold for $375,000. $1,260 in Seller Subsidy
  • 2058 LAKE AUDUBON CT. Listed for $695,000 Sold for $685,000
0 Comments
×

Subscribe to our mailing list