Food apps are bringing changes to a Lake Anne Plaza anchor restaurant that’s catering to niches for pizza, pasta and more.
Kalypso’s Sports Tavern, which often draws crowds to its plaza patio and features Greek cuisine, is branching out with several online kitchen concepts.
The virtual kitchens, also called ghost kitchens, show up on delivery apps such as Grubhub and Uber Eats.
On DoorDash, customers can order deliveries or pickup for virtual brands belonging Kalypso’s that include FREAKING GOOD PIZZA, Grilled & Cheesy, Pasta Glory and Ranch Burger Co.
It comes through a business partnership with a California-based company called Future Foods that takes care of branding and splits the profits with the restaurant, Kalypso’s co-owner Vicky Hadjikyriakou said.
“They handle the marketing, and all we do is cook,” Hadjikyriakou told Reston Now.
The restaurant uses the same kitchen staff; addresses for the virtual brands list the same address as Kalypso’s. But the brands are geared toward food deliveries.
The concept isn’t new for the D.C. region, where the pandemic has further accelerated the rapidly growing food delivery business that’s doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic. Willie T’s Seafood Shack is just one of those benefiting from customers’ changing habits.
Kalypso’s had been considering launching the online outreach in March, but the favorable weather drew customers, so Hadjikyriakou postponed launching it until November. It’s the first such online initiative she’s done.
“As soon as I started it, I think it was like … Thanksgiving Eve, we started getting a good amount of orders,” she said.
To celebrate the restaurant’s 10th anniversary, Kalypso’s Sports Tavern will be hosting a series of community events next weekend.
On both July 3 and 4, attendees can expect live music, party favors, free food samples and the eatery’s lineup of Italian and Greek dishes, a press release said.
Free celebratory music will kick off with a performance on Friday from Steel Drums with Josanne Franci from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Bongo District Trio from 6 to 9 p.m. On Saturday, Steel Drums with Josanne Franci will be performing again from 6 to 9 p.m.
The eatery is located at 1617 Washington Plaza. A spokesperson said that despite the COVID-19 pandemic,  staff managed to adhere to social distancing guidelines so guests can feel safe while enjoying themselves. Outside on the patio, the website said that it can comfortably hold 75 guests while in stage two of reopening.
Throughout the eatery’s history, they’ve hosted various events and other celebrations for regulars. For its fifth-anniversary party in 2015, the restaurant hosted a similar beach themed celebration.
“I still remember the day in 2010 when I saw the commercial sales listing and was surprised to see the opportunity. I drove over to Lake Anne immediately and fell in love with the lakefront property,” owner Vicky Hadjikyriakou said in the press release.
Photo courtesy Kalypso’s Sports Tavern
The COVID-19 dining experience in Fairfax County will change tomorrow as more parking lots and other outdoor spaces in Fairfax County could be used for dining and exercise under certain conditions.
As Northern Virginia begins phase one of its reopening plan tomorrow, Fairfax County officials are considering instituting a blanket approval of outdoor dining, fitness and exercise activities.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will consider the plan at an emergency session at 3 p.m. today (Thursday). Typically, approvals for outdoor dining and fitness activities require a range of applications for approval. If the county approves the emergency ordinance today, businesses would automatically be able to pursue outdoor dining and exercise activities.
The county will begun easing COVID-19 restrictions businesses tomorrow (Friday). Gov. Ralph Northam’s order limits phase one to specific activities. For example, restaurants can only operate at 50 percent of their interior capacity.
Here’s more from the proposal:
With the impending expiration of Phase Zero in Northern Virginia, the County 2 needs to be prepared for Phase One. Under current County ordinances and 3 regulations, business owners would typically be required to pursue a range of 4 applications to allow outdoor dining and outdoor fitness and exercise activities. 5 In the midst of the COVID-19 emergency, the cost and time to meet such 6 requirements would compound the stress on economically challenged 7 businesses, hinder the opportunity presented by Phase One to revitalize the 8 County’s economy, and likely result in a continued de facto closure of such 9 businesses. At the same time, processing and deciding such a multitude of 10 applications on an urgent basis would be virtually impossible for the County 11 government and would consume extraordinary amounts of time and attention on 12 the part of the County’s staff and its deliberative bodies, at a time when they are 13 also strained by the emergency. These factors, separately and collectively, 14 threaten the County’s continuity in government.
Conditions for outdoor dining include, but are not limited to:
- No outdoor entertainment activities
- Outdoor area must be kept free of trash and debris
- Temporary tents must be open on all sides and less than 900 square feet in size
- All tables, chairs and other items must be removable and in good “appearance and repair”
- Adequate parking must be available for on-site users
- Parking designated for individuals with disabilities must be maintained
- The location cannot obstruct sidewalks, travel ways, fire lanes, any building entrance or exit, or interfere with street access for fire department response
The ordinance will not go into effect in the Town of Herndon until the Herndon Town Council approves the emergency ordinance.
A record-breaking number of teams are set to participate in the third annual Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta on Sunday, August 10.
Registration for the event has been closed and is at full capacity. Seventy teams are registered.
Boats will arrive at 10:30 a.m. and will be on display until the race begins at 1 p.m. at Lake Anne Plaza (1609 Washington Plaza).
The owners of Kalypso’s have been working on the their boat for weeks in an effort to defend their title in the merchant award and first place in the navigator class.
The event is free and will take place rain or shine.
Photo via Rachel Piering
For nine years, Kalypso’s Sports Tavern has offered restaurant-goers a spot for lakefront dining, local sports and cocktails.
To mark its anniversary, the sports bar unveiled a new outdoor bar, which has a dedicated bartender and lakefront views. The bar was installed on July 3.
Kalypso’s is located at 1617 Washington Plaza N and is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day except Saturday, when it opens at 10 a.m.
The business takes its name from Kalypso, a nymph from Homer’s Odyssey who restaurant representatives say embodies the beauty and hospitality of Lake Anne.
Photo via Kalypso’s/Facebook
Several restaurants around Reston regularly offer performance venues for DJs, touring artists and local bands.
Reston Now rounded up some spots offering a range of food and live music.
Lake AnneÂ
Kalypso’s Sports Tavern (1617 Washington Plaza N.)
What’s on the menu: Greek, Italian and American fare on the menu. Happy hour is from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekdays.
Live music: Kalypso’s hosts live bands and DJs from 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. on Fridays. Diners on Wednesdays and Saturdays can partake in karaoke from 9:30 p.m.-1:3- p.m. All of the events are free, according to Kalypso’s website.
Cafe Montmartre (1625 Washington Plaza N.)
What’s on the menu: French and Vietnamese cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner.
Live music: Tom Saputo & Friends perform the second Friday of every month, letting diners enjoy singing and dancing from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Other upcoming shows include The Get Down Band from 5-8 p.m. on March 29 and New Blue Soul Band from 7-10 p.m. with a $10 cover charge on April 5.
Lake Anne Coffee House and Wine Bar (1612 Washington Plaza N.)
What’s on the menu: Locally sourced American fare and coffee.
Live music: The live music usually takes place upstairs by the wine bar Wednesdays-Saturdays. Until May, locals can listen to jazz with half-priced bottles of wine on Thursdays and music ranging from classical guitar to jazz on Saturdays.
Reston Town Center
Crafthouse (1888 Explorer Street)
What’s on the menu: American pub food: burgers, sandwiches, salon, steak. Happy hour is from 3-9 p.m. on weekdays.
Live music: The growing beer-centric restaurant chain usually has a live band or DJ playing at 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Karaoke starts at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays.
South Lakes Village Center
Red’s Table (11150 South Lakes Drive)
What’s on the menu: American fare with a focus on meat and seafood. Happy hour is from 3:30-7 p.m. every day, featuring $4 for the daily beer on tap and $5 cocktail of the day.
Live music: Red’s Table hosts weekly live music performances. Upcoming ones include Bad Influence Band on March 30 and singer and musician Ted Garber on April 19.
Did we miss a spot? Let us know in the comments. Check back next week for our roundup for places with live music and food in Herndon.
Photo via Ted Garber/Facebook
Looking for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations? You’re in luck.
Whether you want to enjoy a pint of Guinness or dance an Irish jig, locals in Reston, Herndon and Great Falls have a variety of events to choose from.
Reston
The Foley Academy of Irish Dance will give a dance performance and lessons at the Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Drive) on Saturday (March 16) from noon-1 p.m. All ages are welcome to attend.
Over at Reston Town Center (11911 Democracy Drive), a Lucky Leprechaun 5K will take place at 8 a.m. on St. Patrick’s Day. Registration costs $40 until Friday (March 15) and then the price hikes up to $45. Online registration will remain open until 7:30 a.m. on the morning of the race.
The Kalypso’s Sports Tavern (1617 N. Washington Plaza) plans to host a St. Patrick’s Day Weekend that kicks off on Friday (March 15) with a classic and modern rock performance. On Saturday, the tavern will have face painting from noon-4 p.m. before the Irish dance demonstration by the Foley Academy of Irish Dance begins.
The schedule for the Irish holiday itself is packed:
- DJ Crisis Panic: noon-8 p.m.
- face painting: noon-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.
- Irish dance demonstration by Foley: starts at 4 p.m.
- Sam Gunderson & the Cactus Groove: 8 p.m.-midnight
The Lake Anne Brew House (11424 W Washington Plaza) will offer an Irish brunch on Sunday from 11 a.m.-noon. The menu will feature new twists on Irish favorites for $39.
Herndon
Over in Herndon, Ned’s Devine (2465 Centreville Road) will throw a party starting at 10 a.m. on St. Patrick’s Day featuring back to back live acoustic acts, Irish dancers and party favors.
Performances include:
- Brian Franke: noon- 3 p.m.
- Laura Farrell: 3-6:30 p.m.
- Levi Stephens: 6-9 p.m.
- Screaming Monkeys: starting at 9:30 p.m.
P. J. Mulligans (2310 Woodland Crossing Drive) will feature Irish food and music over the weekend. On Saturday, a midnight Guinness toast will kick off St. Patrick’s Day.
Great FallsÂ
The Old Brogue (760 Walker Road) will celebrate its 38th anniversary with four shows and a pub bash.
Reservations are required for the four concerts by Tam McGeady and the Mostly Irish Band. The shows include food and range from $40 each for the two lunch-time shows to up to $50 for the last of the two evening performances.
Diners over the age of 21 also have the option of enjoying all-day entertainment by Ted Garber in the pub where traditional Irish beers will be served from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. There will be a $10 cover charge.
Photo courtesy PRRacing
Mardi Gras is next week, and a celebration this weekend at a Reston restaurant wants to get locals ready for the annual carnival.
On Sunday (March 3), Kalypso’s Sports Tavern (1617 Washington Plaza) will hold a Mardis Gras celebration with the Reston Historic Trust and Museum.
Local band Catchin’ Toads is set to perform, and a Mardi Gras mask parade will take place around 6:30 p.m.
The event runs from 4-7 p.m. and has a suggested donation of $20, which will go to the Reston Historic Trust and Museum’s Lakeside Pharmacy Icon Preservation Project.
Tomorrow (March 2)
- Town Hall on Fiscal Year 2020 Budget (8:30-11 a.m.) — Locals in the Hunter Mill District can attend a town hall at Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center (2709 West Ox Road) to get more information on the proposed budget plan. Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins, County Executive Bryan Hill and Fairfax County Public Schools staff will give the presentations.
- Herndon Community Roundtable (9-11 a.m.) — The Town of Herndon wants residents to share their thoughts and ask questions at a community roundtable at the Herndon Municipal Center (777 Lynn Street) this Saturday (March 2).
- Spring Flea Market (9 a.m.-noon) — Looking for small appliances, books, jewelry, clothing, tools or toys? Find hidden gems to be take home at RCC Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road).
- Colvin Run Mill During Special Tour (10:30 a.m.) — Go to Great Falls for a hike around the 200-year-old working mill. The “Four Floor Tour Class” involves climbing steep stairs get to spots not seen on the regular mill tours. The tour may last up to two hours and costs $10 per person.
Sunday (March 3)
- Reston 10-Miler (8 a.m.) — Head to the South Lakes High School (11400 South Lakes Drive) for the run. Friday (March 1) is the last day for the regular pricing at $50 before it increases to $55 this weekend.
- “Through the Eye of the Needle II” (all day) — A group exhibit by the Cotting Quilters at the Jo Ann Rose Gallery (1609-A Washington Plaza) ends Sunday.
Photo via Facebook
Updated 2:30 p.m. — Elizabeth Kamp, owner of New Trail Cycling Studio, has specified that the opening is a private event
New Trail Cycling Studio, a new indoor cycling studio at Lake Anne Plaza (1641B Washington Plaza), is celebrating its grand opening this afternoon (Tuesday) in a private event from 4:30-6 p.m.
The grand opening will include finger food from Kalypso’s and a chance to win a five-pack of rides.
The indoor bicycling studio first opened its doors in early November with a series of preview classes. Participants can buy a pack of classes, from $22 for two classes for new riders to more expensive unlimited memberships. Riders receive free shoe rentals, towels and herbal washcloths.
The studio also offers specials — $65 for four rides for college students — and “Free New Trail 101” classes to teach proper form and explain cycling settings.
Photo via Facebook
In an effort to find more ways to activate Lake Anne Plaza with community programming, a new free harvest is coming to the plaza on Saturday (Oct. 27).
The free festival offers holiday tips, treats, live music, wine and beer and collection of fall-related products from the eleven eateries and shops at Lake Anne Plaza, according to Rachel Piering, who is helping organize the festival.
“The Lake Anne Plaza business[es] are working towards adding more events to the annual calendar – as a collective. We are doing more to make Lake Anne Plaza an anchor for activities in Reston. We wanted to add at least one more event to the lineup before the end of the year,” Piering told Reston Now.
The event will take place at the waterfront of the plaza from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Event organizers offered the following information about specials during the festival:
Café Montmartre: Virginia wine pairing and specials on Vienna Lager and Devils Backbone IPA
Chesapeake Chocolates:Â Free wine tasting featuring Virginia wines from 2pm-4pm. Virginia treats and chocolate apple dipping and first annual Fall for Peeps Display.Â
Kalypso’s Sports Tavern:Â Specials on all Virginia wine and beer plus wine pairing/tasting
Kustard & Co:Â Buy one get one Seasonal Harvest Flavored Pumpkin scoops
Lake Anne Brew House: 20% off growlers refills and special prices on seasonal beers
Lake Anne Coffee House and Wine Bar: Dinner special inspired by Virginia Wines and Beers.
New Trail Cycling Studio:Â Sneak Peak of New Space, Membership Discounts and Bike Trail Maps
Reston Historic Trust & Museum:Â Happy Birthday Museum! Fall refreshments and sale on mugs, t-shirts, and memberships.
Reston Art Gallery and Studio:Â Hosting a fall craft project for kids from 10am-Noon.
Reston’s Used Book Shop:Â Sale on all Virginia Books and books about wine.
Small Change Consignment:Â 80% Off Halloween Costume Sale and extra 20% off toys and books.
The festival is produced by the Lake Anne Merchants Committee.
File photo
Newcomers to Reston can take advantage of a free bus tour on October 13. The event is sponsored by Comstock.
RA is offering two bus tours between 10 a.m. and noon and between 1-3 p.m. The guided bus tour will feature stops at Reston’s “most interesting places,” including Walker Nature Center, according to organizers. Bus tours will begin and end at The Lake House (11450 Baron Cameron Avenue). Bus tour participants can also enjoy refreshments and tour The Lake House between the bus tours.
In order to participate, residents must have become RA property owners within the last six months. An open house open to all members at The Lake House will run between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Catering is provided by Kalypso’s Sports Tavern.
Registration is required for the tour.
File photo
Hummingbird rescue — Yes, we’re serious. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personnel nursed a hummingbird who appeared “weak and lethargic” back to health on the Herndon and Reston boundary line. [Reston Patch]
An ode to Kalypso — Kalypso’s Sports Tavern is celebrating its eight-year anniversary next week. The party will include a crab feast and musical performances. Reservations are recommended. [Kalypso’s Sports Tavern]
Nearby: don’t block intersections — Local police are ticketing drivers who block intersections when stoplights change. Drivers could get a $30 ticket and a $67 bill for court costs. [WJLA]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
The Northern Virginia Restaurant Week is back this year. The annual event, which runs from March 19-26, offers reduced price at more than 50 restaurants in Northern Virginia.
Customers are strongly encouraged to make reservations.
Several eateries in Reston and Herndon are participating in the event, including:
- Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants (12130 Sunset Hills Rd)
- GreenFare (408 Elden Street)
- Gregorio’s Trattoria (428 North Point Village Center)
- Kalypso’s Sports Tavern (1617 Washington Plaza N)
- Mon Ami Gabi (11950 Democracy Drive)
- Red’s Table (11150 South Lakes Drive)
- The Melting Pot (11730 Plaza America Drive)
For a complete list of all eateries taking part, visit the event’s website.
Photo via Northern Virginia Restaurant Week
Kalypso’s Sports Tavern at Lake Anne Plaza is turning five years old.
The restaurant and bar will celebrate with an anniversary beach party weekend beginning Thursday.
Here is what is planned:
Thursday, July 2 — Pre-Party with Favorite Reggae Band I & I Riddim, 9:30 p.m.
Friday, July 3 Â — Cheers to Five Years All Day Celebration
- 5 p.m. – Steel Drums on the Patio with Orlando Phillips
- 9:30 pm – Suz’s Blues Band
Saturday, July 4 — Happy Fourth of July
- 4 p.m. – DJ with Beach Music on the Patio
- 9:30 p.m. – DJ in the Bar
Sunday, July 5 — Lexie Hayden on the Patio from 1Â to 4 p.m.
Kalypso’s will transform its patio into a beach, featuring sand, beach balls and other beach fun. There will be food and beverage specials all weekend.
