As many families around Reston prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday (May 10), local businesses are offering packages to help people treat their moms at home.
People who choose to social distance this year can still video call their mothers through services such as Zoom or recently released Google Meet, which are both free to use.
Packages and Gifts
Scrawl Books in Reston picked out a gift for Mother’s Day this year, according to its website: “You’re Mom: A Little Book for Mothers,” by Liz Climo is a book featuring comics about motherhood.
Weird Brothers Coffee in Herndon and Old Soul Flower Company in Great Falls were offering a joint flower, chocolate and coffee packages but are already sold out, according to the item page. Still, people can get their moms brews because Weird Brother Coffee is offering take out, curbside pickup and local delivery, the website said.
Flowers
Though Old Soul Flower Company’s said it is sold out of flowers for Mother’s Day weekend, the local business is running a special where it will deliver fresh flowers each week from June 1 until Sept. 30 for $400, which could be a long-term gift.
Mayflowers, a Reston-based florist, is open for business and offers dozens of floral arrangements specialized for Mother’s Day, ranging in price from $60 to $550, according to the website. The florist requires 24 hours to process orders, and people can order online.
Food
Amphora Bakery in Herndon offers a variety of floral and brightly colored cakes that are available for roughly $27. People can choose different sizes, frosting types and over a dozen flavors, according to the website. Though the deadline has passed for some specialized cakes by Mother’s Day, people may still be able to enjoy another cake. People can email the bakery to inquire further.
Cooper’s Hawk is offering an at-home prearranged menu to celebrate this year. For $150 a group of four can get starter of bread and a salad, a choice of five different entrees, sides and a dessert. Orders must be placed by 8 p.m. tonight (May 8) over the phone at 708-215-5674, the website said.
Ted’s Bulletin is offering brunch and dinner packages for Mother’s Day and pre-order is now available. The Reston location is offering a full array of plates, treats and cocktails for pickup or delivery.
Founding Farmers Reston is offering brunch, dinner and add-on cocktail options as well. People can choose from traditional comfort foods like fried chicken to sweeter dessert main entries for brunch or dinner, according to the website. Anyone interested can order online.
People can check out the menus for their favorite restaurants to see if they have specials for Mother’s Day.
Photo by Zoe Schaeffer/Unsplash
As the Reston Farmers Market prepares to open for the season on Saturday (May 9), vendors are making adjustments for ease and coronavirus prevention.
People will now be able to preorder food and goods, which will then be available for express pickup at the market on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon, according to Fairfax County’s website.
To order, people can select from vendors on Fairfax County’s website, preview products offered by each vendor and proceed to make a reservation online on the individual vendor’s website.
When picking up items at the market, people should follow the one-way path to the vendor and give their name, according to the website.
Depending on the vendor, people can either prepay or pay when they collect the items in person.
Vendors will sell items including baked goods, fresh meat and produce, dairy products, ready-made food, pickled items and snacks, according to their websites.
Here’s a complete list of the vendors:
- 78 Acres
- Amore Congelato
- Arnest Seafood
- Baguette Republic
- Bee’s Wing Farm
- Blue Ridge Dairy Co.
- Colonial Kettle Corn
- Colvin Run Mill
- Foggy Mountain Pasta
- Fresh Crunch
- Glascock’s Produce
- Grace’s PastriesÂ
- GreenFare Organic Cafe
- Honey Brook Farms
- J & W Valley View Farm
- King Mushroom LLC
- Kiwi Kuisine
- Mt Olympus Berry Farm
- Number 1 Sons
- Ozfeka Catering
- Penn Farm
- Potomac Vegetable Farms
- Reid’s Orchard and Winery
- Roots to Rise
- San Geovanni’s Farm
- Smith Family Farm
- Spring Valley Farm and Orchard
- Stallard Road Farm Botanicals
- Valentine’s Bakery and Meats
- Virginia Vista’s Greenhouse
- Zayna’s Delight
Photo via Reston Farmers Market/FacebookÂ
Known for its elaborate cakes, Amphora Bakery is now offing grocery delivery through its sister catering service.
Amphora Catering in Herndon now delivers basic items to customers’ homes without a delivery fee for orders above $75 and within a 10-mile radius, the website said.
“In an effort to support our community, Amphora is offering contact-less delivery of essential ingredients that are increasingly more difficult to come by at the markets or without the potential risk,” the site said.
Offerings include freshly baked bread, milk, eggs, cheese, various meats, veggies, fruits, flour, sugar and bathroom essentials like toilet paper.
Anyone interested can fill out an online cart order and select a delivery day. Deliveries will arrive sometime between 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., the site said.
Photo via Sven Scheuermeier/Unsplash
After deliberation from Fairfax County officials, the fate of farmers markets around Reston and Herndon is still undecided.
Many farmers markets were expected to open within the next few weeks but were indefinitely delayed because of safety concerns over COVID-19, according to Fairfax County’s website.
Though this decision will likely negatively affect local vendors who sell goods at these markets, it is unclear what the long-term economic impact might be.
People who still want to support vendors in this time of crisis can check out places like Sterling-based Baguette Republic, which allows customers to order freshly baked goods online. Customers can score six personal size ciabatta rolls for $6, according to the website.
Ashburn-based Roots to Rise is another local food producer that offers pickup at several locations. Customers can order fresh juices, breakfast and lunch, the website said.
Fairfax County Chairman Jeff McKay issued a statement today (April 14) during a Twitter Q&A saying that county staffers are trying to come up with a configuration that allows people to shop while still practicing the six-foot social distancing requirements.
Currently staff is working on a future plan that meets social distancing requirements for farmers markets using health and social distancing related guidelines and a plan that we can configure things in such a way as to open in a safe manner on a case by case basis. https://t.co/h7H61UCcay
— Jeff McKay (@JeffreyCMcKay) April 14, 2020
Photo via Anne Preble/Unsplash
Virginia announced an upcoming Takeout Week to support local restaurants trying to stay afloat despite the loss of business from the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the motto “Virginia is for Restaurant Lovers,” event organizers want people to order takeout at local businesses beginning today (March 30) until April 5, according to the event page on Fairfax County’s website.
People may be able to order directly from the eatery or use apps such as GrubHub and Uber Eats for curbside drop off.
Reston Now previously did a roundup of local eateries still open for delivery, which includes roughly two dozen various choices.
Already, some restaurants have chosen to shut down and let go of staffers. Temporary closures include Bombay Velvet, Not Your Average Joe’s and Big Bowl.
People who participate are encouraged to use the hashtag #VirginiaEatsLocal to show solidarity and encourage their friends and family to order out, the website said.
Image via Fairfax County
The Reston YMCA will begin offering produce distribution tomorrow (Wednesday) at 12196 Sunset Hill Roads.
Although the location and all others in the DMV region are closed, residents can drop by on Wednesday from 4-6 p.m. and on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon to pick up produce.
Produce is available to all, regardless of their affiliation with the YMCA.
Residents should bring their own bag. The effort is made possible with the support of Keany Produce and Child Care Resources Inc.
Image via Google Maps
Spring is around the corner and farmers markets around the are preparing to open for the season — offering visitors an array of fresh vegetables, fruits, baked goods and other locally sourced commodities.
Reston Now rounded up a list of markets in the area so shoppers can plan ahead.
The Reston Farmers Market will open for visitors next month, on April 26, according to the Fairfax County website, which added the market will take place Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon at 1609 Washington Plaza N.
For those who drive, the web page said parking will be available along North Shore Drive. A list of vendors from previous years can be found online.
Community Foodworks in Reston, which takes place at St. Johns Neuman Catholic Church (11900 Lawyers Road) is part of a larger network of markets around NoVA, which includes a location in Tysons. The Reston location set to open on April 17 and run through the end of November on Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m., the website said.
Shoppers can expect roughly 20 various local vendors to check out, each of which offers things ranging from dog treats to fresh pastries, according to the market’s website.
The Herndon Farmers Market will make its debut this year on April 23. It will be open every Thursday from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at 765 Lynn Street until Nov. 5, according to Fairfax County’s website.
The Reston Farm Market (10800 Baron Cameron Ave) isn’t a traditional farmers market– but is instead a seasonal family-owned and operated business that offers things similar to what someone would expect to find at a weekly farmers market.
The Weinstein family, who owns the market, announced on their website that it will open for the 2020 season this upcoming Monday (March 16).The daily hours of operation will be 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Photo via  Anne Preble/Unsplash
After people may have lost sight of their New Year’s regulations, enVISION 2020 invites people to rebuild or create a new vision board.
A vision board is a guide to help people realize their goals and imagine what they want their life to look like, according to the HuffPost, which added it usually collages magazine clippings, photos and paper accents.
This session will take place on Saturday (Feb. 29) and feature music, food and guidance from two mental health professionals, according to the event page.
The session will take place at Best Life Therapeutic Services, LLC (11250 Roger Bacon Drive). Tickets are $40, and the event will run from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Tomorrow (Feb. 29)
- Get to Know Your Muslim Neighbor (11 .m. until 3 p.m.) — The Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Drive) is hosting an event where people from all cultures can come mingle and learn about history while enjoying activities such as henna and calligraphy. Coffee will be provided at this free event.
- Ramen ‘Round the World Cooking Class (11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.) — Attendees will learn how to make umami-rich soup at 100 Bowls of Soup (279 Sunset Park Drive). The tickets are $75.
Sunday (March 1)
- “City of Peace” Book Talk (1 to 2 p.m.) — Trinity Presbyterian Church (651 Dranesville Road) is hosting a book event with author Henry Brinton. People will have the chance to ask questions and buy a copy for $17.
- Herndon Depot Museum Reopening (noon to 4 p.m.) — This weekend, people can attend a train show and silent auction featuring antiques at 717 Lynn Street to celebrate the reopening of the Herndon Depot Museum. People will also have the chance to learn about telegraphs, according to the Facebook page.
Photo by Andy Art on Unsplash
Sweetgreen has requested permission from Fairfax County to renovate property down the block from its current location 11935 Democracy Drive in Reston, according to county documents.
The chain salad restaurant submitted documents with Fairfax County to redesign the interior of a spot at 1824 Library Street in Reston Town Center.
A Sweetgreen representative said that a new location will be opening in the area, but did not specify what will happen to the current location.
The new location will include outdoor seating and a patio, according to the permits.
The eatery, with locations across the D.C. and Northern Virginia areas, serves a variety of seasonal salads and fresh eats, according to the website.
It is unclear when the new location will open.
Photo via Sweetgreen/Facebook
The Capital Burger, which promises to bring a “luxe burger” experience, will open in Reston Town Center next. week.
The restaurant, which is an extension of The Capital Grille, will open on Jan. 27 at 11853 Market Street inside the Hyatt Regency.
Here’s more from the company on their launch:
Roll up your sleeves Reston, and prepare for greatness on a brioche bun. The Capital Burger, with its luxe burgers, hand-cut fries, boozy shakes and an exceptional wine list, is a welcome addition to Reston Town Center’s fine dining scene. Visit us for breakfast, lunch, dinner or happy hour. Located at the corner of Market Street and Presidents Street in the Hyatt Regency Reston and within walking distance of Hyatt Park, the Reston Town Center Parking Garage and the shops on Market Street.
Items on the menu of the 204-seat restaurant include spike shakes, wine, and burgers.
A daily happy hour is set from 3-6:30 p.m.
A Loudoun County couple plans to debut a new food truck that offers a selection of Afghan Tex-Mex in Herndon and Reston later this month.
Zainab Shoja and her husband Yousef plan to serve puffy tacos — a concept created in San Antonio — at the Sprint Campus (12525 Sunrise Valley Drive) on Jan. 27 and at Century Link (2900 Towerview Road) on Jan. 30. The food truck, called “Zainy’s Flyin’ Grill” will be on-site from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Inspired by their Afghan heritage, Shoja says the food truck will also serve “kabobco” — a cross between a taco and kabob roll — bowls — and quesadillas. Meat options include chicken kabob, steak kabob, and gyro.
The food truck, which is registered to run in Loudoun and Fairfax counties, will first debut in Lansdowne at the Camden Apartments from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday (Jan. 25).
Shoja says she hopes the business adds a unique product to the local food scene.
“We grew up eating kabobs. We both love Mexican food,” Shoja said. “We wanted to stand out.”
Customers can track the food truck’s schedule online.
Photo via Zainab Shoja
A new restaurant is serving up Vietnamese cuisine in Herndon.
Alo Vietnam is now open at 2321C Dulles Station Boulevard. A soft opening was held last month.
The restaurant also expects to open a Reston location at Faraday Park (1831 Michael Faraday Drive).
A representative for the store did not indicate when that location will open.
Photos via Alo Vietnam/Facebook
Four Reston eateries will be participating in the Metropolitan Washington Winter Resturant Week later this January.
Foodies around the area can enjoy lunch for $22 and dinner for $35 from Jan. 13 through 19.
A few places around the D.C.-area offer brunch specials — but not at any of the Reston locations.
Offerings vary from restaurant to restaurant, and places will feature either a specialed menu or a multi-course option.
PassionFish will offer lunch and dinner specials featuring nine different appetizer options like the Peruvian-style ceviche and main courses from their regular menu, as well as one of three desserts such as the almond biscotti crème brûlée.
A few items on their menu, such as the crab cakes, will include a $10 upcharge.
Other participating eateries in Reston include The Melting Pot (11730 Plaza America Drive), Founding Farmers (1904 Reston Metro Plaza Drive) and McCormick & Schmick’s (11920 Democracy Drive).
Anyone interested in taking advantage of the deals can either call ahead to reserve a space at the individual locations or make a reservation on OpenTable.
Photo via PassionFish/Facebook
A new barbecue restaurant chain is now open at a shopping center along Sunrise Valley Drive in Herndon.
Mission BBQ opened earlier this month at 2445 Centreville Road, Suite 34b, at the Village Center at Dulles.
The restaurant chain has locations in 16 states, including 16 spots in Virginia.
https://twitter.com/HerndonPolice/status/1208072274143842304
Photo via Herndon Police Department
Finn Thai plans on expanding from its original location in Reston to Great Falls.
The restaurant, which serves traditional cuisine from South East Asia, will take over the space currently occupied by Wild Ginger, according to Finn Thai’s owner Willy Chaokrajang.Â
Currently, the new Finn Thai location is waiting for approval to serve wine and beer at 752 Walker Road, Suite A.
The eatery is expected to open in February, Chaokrajang said, adding that the location was chosen because he thinks it will be convenient for customers.
“The menu will be similar to what we have in Reston,” he added.Â
Currently, the restaurant has three other locations scattered throughout the D.C. area.
Photo via Finn Thai/Facebook