Thursday, June 30, 2011

The Arlandrian Brief: "Restaurants on Order" Edition

The Blend. An application has been filed for a new restaurant at the corner of Mt Vernon Avenue and West Glebe Road to be located in the newly renovated shopping center at 212 W Glebe.

The Blend proposes a diverse menu incorporating Caribbean, Ethiopian, Spanish and American cuisines. The 100-seat restaurant, employing 14 would operate from 6am to 11pm, seven days a week with food prepared by chefs on-site. In addition a small meat market would also be incorated with specialty meats and fish. The concept is fast casual with on-premises alcohol sales, as well as carry-out and delivery food service.

Huascaran for Breakfast. Paula Coleto's well-regarded Peruvian eatery, Huascaran at 3606 Mount Vernon Avenue has been approved to extend its hours to offer breakfast 7 days a week.



Coming to North Potomac Yard. A new bar/restaurant is coming to the Market Square at Potomac Yard development (3650 South Glebe Road) in the site of the shuttered McGinty's Pub.

Melody Tavern” will serve healthy, modern American fare and will host live music and comedy acts, according to owner Michel Daley, former co-owner of DC's Zanzibar.

The Tavern will join two other new restaurants in the square:  the Asian fusion eatery Heebeen and pizza-and-pasta joint Paisano’s. Both will be opening soon. (full story at ARLnow.com)

Coming to Arlington Ridge Shops. A Midlothian, Va.-based coffee shop/wine bar/soup-salad-and-sandwich restaurant is coming to the Arlington Ridge Shopping Center at 2901 South Glebe Road (don't call it Shirley Plaza anymore ).

In a storefront once occupied by a Blockbuster video,   Cafe Caturra will offer specialty coffees and boutique wines to drink, as well as breakfast sandwiches, soups, salads, paninis, mini pizzas and other fresh fare to eat. (full story at ARLnow.com).

Whatever That Is. The new Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in north Potomac Yard (2800 South Potomac Avenue) will be hosting “Angry Hours” — a weekly series of live Angry Bird tournaments — every Thursday from July 14 to Aug. 25. (more at ARLnow.com).

This Just In! Improvements at the Mt. Vernon/W. Reed intersection are almost about to happen. Construction will commence on July 11, 2011!!

Remember you read it here first: Arlandria Intersection Improvement Meeting Summary.  The long awaited pedestrian and streetscape improvements we discussed are finally about to arrive.

Other Crossings Improved. ARLnow.com reports that Pedestrian Improvements Underway on Shirlington Road near the sidewalk in front of the Weenie Beenie, between Four Mile Run Drive and 27th where the new 4MR Trail extension end. ‎"The Four Mile Run Trail alone handled 1,300 people per day during the month of May," according to Arlington County.

Environmental Learning along 4MR. See GW Middle School Goes to Work! from Go Green Alexandria. Kurt Moser of Earth Force teaches GW students about macroinvertebrates and aquatic wildlife at Four Mile Run Park.

Art Help Wanted. The Art League and Casa Chirilagua are looking for Art Teacher Volunteers Wanted for Summer Camp.

Google Transit, now better than ever. ‎2 1/2 years ago DASH bus schedule and route information became available on Google Maps. Last month, Metro bus and rail has finally caught up. CommuterPageBlog: Yes, Virginia, there IS a Google Transitwww.commuterpageblog.com

Very Brief. Potomac Yard construction has finally gone vertical this week. And Potomac Avenue is almost paved with streetlights installed and lines being painted.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

4MRMarket Report: "If You Can't Beet 'Em, Join 'Em" Edition

Here's the Market Report for this week from www.4MRMarket.org:

If you've dropped by the 4MRMarket, you may have noticed multiple varieties of beets have shown up in recent weeks.  This under appreciated root vegetable has a slightly sweet taste that pairs wonderfully in salad with cheese, nuts, tangy or sweet dressings, and so many other items.  You can roast or boil them.  I think roasting concentrates and brings out even more sweet flavor, but if you want to leave the oven off on a hot summer day, you can boil them, too (here's a quick cooking guide).
Here's a nice recipe to help you "Beet" the heat:

Roasted (or boiled) gold and red beet saladYou'll need 1 to 2 yellow and red beets from C&T Produce per person, some fresh spinach, arugula, or similarly hearty green, and any variety of goat cheese from Tom's Amish Cheese, tossed in a simple vinaigrette.  For the vinaigrette, mix equal parts olive oil and balsamic vinegar, a small teaspoon of Dijon mustard, a solid pinch of salt and pepper, and a pinch of sugar or a few drops of honey (1/2 tsp or so).  Shake in a jar to combine.  Add some thinly sliced red onions for an additional flavor element (soaking them in the vinaigrette or salt water for a few minutes cuts the sharpness of the onion). Toss the greens and onions in half the dressing, toss the beets separately in the other half.  Layer the beets on top of the greens on each plate and sprinkle an ounce or two of crumbled goat cheese atop the whole ordeal. Place on a place mat from Uncommon Knits, and you're all set!  Be careful, red beets stain like crazy!
On to the market report for today (sorry about the late notice).  We had a couple of unanticipated absences last week (some staffing issues, mainly), but our vendors will all be back in full force this week.  Corn, cantaloupes, and a host of other summer veggies are now in season and you can bet you won't be disappointed with the freshness and quality of produce, meats, cheeses, and other goods our vendors toil to bring us each week!
Here is who you'll find at 4MRMarket this week:
  • The Stifler Farm aka "What's For Dinner Now" (Shenandoah) - Natural, locally farm-raised black Angus beef, and now fresh, farm raised Pork, including bacon and andouille, chorizo, and breakfast sausage! (all flash frozen for convenience) 
  • Pleitez Produce
  • (Northern Neck) - A full range of locally grown produce, herbs, and more. 
  • Patowmack Farm
  • /Divine Foods (Lovettsville, VA) - Crepes and Smoothies made-to-order, plus organic, value added products. 
  • C&T Produce
  • (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce. 
  • Uncommon Knits
  • (WV) - Handwoven linens made with 100% cotton and hand-stitched hems for your kitchen, dining room and bath. 
  • Ron RLR-Designs (Herndon, VA) - Artistic photo prints to dress up any wall
  • Yoli B. (Hanover, MD) - Hand-stitched kids clothing. NEW!
  • Sweet Hearts Patisserie
  • (Fairfax, VA) - a Northern Virginia based patisserie specializing in gourmet victorian petit fours and other miniature sized pastries. Sweet Hearts petit fours are made in a variety of delectable flavors and designs, and make the perfect gift or tea time treat. NEW!
VeloCity bike co-op will be at the market once again this week, as well. The guys will be on-site doing teaching bike maintenance and repair.  The Alexandria Community Policing (COPs) unit will be on site registering bicycles to ensure stolen bikes can be returned to their owners.  Bring your bike by and gain that little extra piece of mind!
In our 4MRMarket Tent come meet folks from the Sierra Club, Dominion Green Power, and LocalMotion to learn all about sustainability and making your commutes healthier and less stressful!
If you're a SNAP/EBT participant, remember to come out and take advantage of the Inova-sponsored "Double Dollar" program that doubles the first $10 SNAP participants spend at the market. 4MRMarket is the first farmers’ market in Northern Virginia (and still the only) to accept SNAP.
Please support your volunteer-run neighborhood farmers market. We can't do it without neighborhood support! We still need volunteers to help us find musicians to play the market and help staff the SNAP machine (after some training, of course). Find a Market Manager and ask to help, or email us at 4mrm@arlandria.org for more info.
_______________
The Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market (Alexandria, Virginia 22305) brings fresh, nutritious food to people of all income levels, provide an opportunity for local artisans and producers of goods to bring their wares to market, strive to reflect the diversity of the community, and improve the quality of life for Arlandria residents and visitors. It is part of an overall vision to expand and improve Four Mile Run park and the surrounding neighborhood.
4MRMarket is open every Sunday from 8am until 1pm from May through October in Four Mile Run Park at 4109 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. (click here for directions)
For more info see: http://www.4mrmarket.org/Or contact us at: 4mrm@arlandria.org

Saturday, June 18, 2011

4MRMarket Report: "Father's Day" Edition

4MRMarket Father's Day Gift Set
If you're still looking for a gift for Dad on his special day, Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market may have just the type of thing you're looking for. Whether your Dad is into locally grown and made products or is just into quality products in general, we can help you put together a great gift basket for Dad, like we did. Just follow these simple steps:
  1. Pick up a free Buy Fresh Buy Local bag and a 4MRMarket t-shirt to compliment Dad's weekend knock around wardrobe.
  2. Visit vendors of your choice and grab a nice assortment of items that perhaps introduce him to new, delicious ideas.
  3. Stuff in all the locally made products into the bag, add a little tissue paper casually sticking out of the over-sized "gift bag".
  4. Watch Dad enjoy the fine assortment of high-quality products you've hand-selected.  Maybe get him to share some of that Artisan Amish cheese with you, too!
The bag displayed here contains a 4MRMarket t-shirt, a special dish towel from Uncommon Knits, Green Lemon skin suds from Herban Avenue, and a selection of cheeses and a jams from Tom's Amish Cheese Store, and elderberry vinaigrette from Patowmack Farm/Divine Foods.

Deb at 4MRMarket  Opening
Those of you who follow us on our Facebook page may have heard our more somber news.

Our beloved seafood lady from last season, Deb Charters of Northern Lights Seafood, passed away this week.

Please view this story on our website containing more information, including how to contribute to Humane Animal Rescue Team (HART) in her memory. Deb was a bright spirit and we and our customers have missed her dearly during her illness. Keep her in your thoughts. She will be greatly missed.



Here is who you'll find at 4MRMarket this week:
  • Pleitez Produce (Northern Neck) - A full range of locally grown produce, herbs, and more. 
  • Herban Avenues at AHHA Ranch (Lovettsville, VA) - Herbal remedies, amazing soaps, heritage breed chicken eggs, and a variety of herbs. 
  • Patowmack Farm/Divine Foods (Lovettsville, VA) - Crepes and Smoothies made-to-order, plus organic, value added products. 
  • Bread and Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods. 
  • C&T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce. 
  • St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies. 
  • Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese, yogurt and Pennsylvania honey. 
  • Uncommon Knits (WV) - Handwoven linens made with 100% cotton and hand-stitched hems for your kitchen, dining room and bath. 
  • Ron RLR-Designs (Herndon, VA) - Artistic photo prints to dress up any wall
  • Yoli B. (Hanover, MD) - Hand-stitched kids clothing. NEW!
  • Sweet Hearts Patisserie (Fairfax, VA) - a Northern Virginia based patisserie specializing in gourmet victorian petit fours and other miniature sized pastries. Sweet Hearts petit fours are made in a variety of delectable flavors and designs, and make the perfect gift or tea time treat. NEW!
We also expect that this Sunday will be the return of VeloCity bike co-op. The guys will be on-site doing teaching bike maintenance and repair. 

And in our 4MRMarket Tent come meet folks from the Sierra Club, Dominion Green Power and the Alexandria Health Department who will be giving out info about food safety. 

If you're a SNAP/EBT participant, remember to come out and take advantage of the Inova-sponsored "Double Dollar" program that doubles the first $10 SNAP participants spend at the market. 4MRMarket is the first farmers’ market in Northern Virginia (and still the only) to accept SNAP.

Please support your volunteer-run neighborhood farmers market. We can't do it without neighborhood support! Also, volunteers are always welcome to help find musicians to play the market, help staff the SNAP machine (after some training, of course), and to help book the community tent with City agencies, non-profits, etc. Find a Market Manager and ask to help, or email us at 4mrm@arlandria.org for more info.
_______________

The Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market (Alexandria, Virginia 22305) brings fresh, nutritious food to people of all income levels, provide an opportunity for local artisans and producers of goods to bring their wares to market, strive to reflect the diversity of the community, and improve the quality of life for Arlandria residents and visitors. It is part of an overall vision to expand and improve Four Mile Run park and the surrounding neighborhood.

4MRMarket is open every Sunday from 8am until 1pm from May through October in Four Mile Run Park at 4109 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. 

For more info see: http://www.4mrmarket.org/
Or contact us at: 4mrm@arlandria.org

Saturday, June 11, 2011

4MRMarket Report: "Salad Days" Edition

The 4MRMarket Chard & Onion Frittata
This week we bring you another great recipe that is perfect for hot days like we've been facing. This Chard and Onion Omelet with a side-salad of summer greens was made with all ingredients from your neighborhood farmers' market. Just swap in 4MRMarket cheese and green onions for a fresher taste!!

Pick up mixed greens and green onions from Pleitez Produce, heritage breed eggs from Herban Avenue, chard, herbs, and garlic from C&T Produce, elderberry vinaigrette from Patowmack Farms, and baby swiss cheese from Tom's Amish Cheese Store. Cook and crumble some fresh bacon from the Stiffler's Farm into the omelet if you're feeling a little more meaty. This recipe works also works well as a frittata or crustless quiche. Really good!!

For the salad, just wash and cut or tear lettuce and any other fresh veggies you like in your salad.  Toss with the elderberry vinaigrette and serve along side a nice wedge of omelet.  Don't forget to set it all atop a handmade place mat from Uncommon Knits!

Here's what you'll find at the market this week to satisfy those cravings.  Come early to beat the heat, or show up later and cool down with an iced tea or coffee from St. Elmo's Coffee Pub. Stay awhile in our market lounge and pick up a nice pastry to get your day started!

Here is who you'll find at 4MRMarket this week:
  • The Stifler Farm aka "What's For Dinner Now" (Shenandoah) - Natural, locally farm-raised black Angus beef, and now fresh, farm raised Pork, including bacon and andouille, chorizo, and breakfast sausage! (all flash frozen for convenience) 
  • Pleitez Produce (Northern Neck) - A full range of locally grown produce, herbs, and more. 
  • Herban Avenues at AHHA Ranch (Lovettsville, VA) - Herbal remedies, amazing soaps, heritage breed chicken eggs, and a variety of herbs. 
  • Patowmack Farm/Divine Foods (Lovettsville, VA) - Crepes and Smoothies made-to-order, plus organic, value added products.
  • Bread and Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods. 
  • C&T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce. 
  • St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies. 
  • Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese, yogurt and Pennsylvania honey. 
  • Uncommon Knits (WV) - Handwoven linens made with 100% cotton and hand-stitched hems for your kitchen, dining room and bath. 
  • Ron RLR-Designs (Herndon, VA) - Artistic photo prints to dress up any wall
  • Yoli B. (Hanover, MD) - Hand-stitched kids clothing.
  • Sweet Hearts Patisserie (Fairfax, VA) - a Northern Virginia based patisserie specializing in gourmet victorian petit fours and other miniature sized pastries. Sweet Hearts petit fours are made in a variety of delectable flavors and designs, and make the perfect gift or tea time treat. NEW!
Don't forget to grab a stylish Four Mile Run Market t-shirt for $12.  They come in many sizes and colors and proceeds go towards improving Four Mile Run Park and thus keeping the market going strong. You can also get yourself a free BuyFresh BuyLocal reusable bag to conveniently tote your market purchases home. Keep bringing the bag back throughout the season and you might be rewarded for repeat business. Ask a market manager!

If you're a SNAP/EBT participant, remember to come out and take advantage of the Inova-sponsored "Double Dollar" program that doubles the first $10 SNAP participants spend at the market. 4MRMarket is the first farmers’ market in Northern Virginia (and still the only) to accept SNAP.

Please support your volunteer-run neighborhood farmers market. We can't do it without neighborhood support! Also, volunteers are always welcome to help find musicians to play the market and to help book the community tent with City agencies, non-profits, etc. Find a Market Manager and ask to help, or email us at 4mrm@arlandria.org for more info.
_______________

The Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market (Alexandria, Virginia 22305) brings fresh, nutritious food to people of all income levels, provide an opportunity for local artisans and producers of goods to bring their wares to market, strive to reflect the diversity of the community, and improve the quality of life for Arlandria residents and visitors. It is part of an overall vision to expand and improve Four Mile Run park and the surrounding neighborhood.

4MRMarket is open every Sunday from 8am until 1pm from May through October in Four Mile Run Park at 4109 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. 

For more info see: http://www.4mrmarket.org/
Or contact us at: 4mrm@arlandria.org

Saturday, June 04, 2011

4MRMarket Report: "4MRMarket Meal" Edition

Salade Liegeoise, made from all 4MRMarket ingredients

Looking to make a meal with fresh, local ingredients bought entirely at the market (minus perhaps some salt and pepper)? Try this on for size, complete with a fancy Belgian name: Salade LiegeoiseLocal farm fresh bacon from What's For Dinner Now, new potatoes and green onions from Pleitez Produce, and fresh-picked green beans from C&T Produce. A 100% 4MRMarket meal!

Here's a recipe (feel free to tweak to your heart's delight) - Makes about four servings of the salad as the primary dish and about 6 servings as a side.
  1. Boil about 10-12 new potatoes, and blanch about a pound of green beans (both in well salted water). 
  2. Dice up 6-8 pieces of bacon, then cook slowly on low-medium heat to render off the fat. When cooked to desired crispiness (should be a little soft, but everyone feels differently about bacon), remove the bacon and keep about 2 Tbs. of bacon fat in the pan. Add 1/2 cup of red wine vinegar and heat it through.
  3. Chop up 4-6 green onions and toss with the blanched and drained green beans into the bacon fat, now heated to medium-high heat (be sure green beans are dry so they don't cause the fat to sputter). 
  4. Add 7 or 8 pepper grinder turns of freshly ground pepper, and a pinch of salt (adjust to taste, but remember, the bacon will already have some salt). Toss the green beans and onions in the bacon fat to coat and allow them just to begin to color (2-3 minutes of sautee time). 
  5. Add the bacon and potatoes to the pan and tossing to coat once again. Serve warm on a place mat from Uncommon Knits. Enjoy! 
Now that you're hungry, let's help you fill up that bag of groceries!

This week, you'll find lots of in-season local produce and herbs, baked goods, grass-fed beef, heritage chicken eggs, and a host of other goodies. We apologize that the made-to-order crepes and smoothies weren't there last week due to a last-minute conflict that arose for Divine Foods, but they're back this week!  Enjoy a gourmet breakfast in the 4MR Market Lounge.

Here is who you'll find at 4MRMarket this week:
  • The Stifler Beef Farm aka "What's For Dinner Now" (Shenandoah) - Natural, locally farm-raised black Angus beef, and now fresh, farm raised Pork, including bacon and andouille, chorizo, and breakfast sausage too! (all flash frozen for convenience) 
  • Pleitez Produce (Northern Neck) - A full range of locally grown produce, herbs, and more. 
  • Herban Avenues at AHHA Ranch (Lovettsville, VA) - Herbal remedies, amazing soaps, heritage breed chicken eggs, and a variety of herbs. 
  • Patowmack Farm/Divine Foods (Lovettsville, VA) - Crepes and Smoothies made-to-order, plus organic, value added products. 
  • Bread and Chocolate (Arlandria) - A range of baked goods. 
  • C&T Produce (White Oak, VA) - A huge selection of locally grown produce. 
  • St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Del Ray) - Brewed coffee, tea, and a few extra goodies. 
  • Tom's Amish Cheese Store (Lancaster, PA) - Artisan Cheese, yogurt and Pennsylvania honey. 
  • Uncommon Knits (WV) - Handwoven linens made with 100% cotton and hand-stitched hems for your kitchen, dining room and bath. 
  • Ron RLR-Designs (Herndon, VA) - Artistic photo prints to dress up any wall 
Find yourself lacking in local market promoting apparel?  Fear not, Four Mile Run Market is now selling t-shirts for $12 in many sizes and colors - proceeds go towards improving Four Mile Run Park and keeping the market going strong. You can also get yourself a free BuyFresh BuyLocal reusable bag to conveniently tote your market purchases home. Keep bringing the bag back throughout the season and you might be rewarded for repeat business. Ask a market manager!

If you're a SNAP/EBT participant, remember to come out and take advantage of the Inova-sponsored "Double Dollar" program that doubles the first $10 SNAP participants spend at the market. 4MRMarket is the first farmers’ market in Northern Virginia (and still the only) to accept SNAP.

Please support your volunteer-run neighborhood farmers market. We can't do it without neighborhood support! Also, volunteers are always welcome to help find musicians to play the market and to help book the community tent with City agencies, non-profits, etc. Find a Market Manager and ask to help, or email us at 4mrm@arlandria.org for more info.
_______________

The Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market (Alexandria, Virginia 22305) brings fresh, nutritious food to people of all income levels, provide an opportunity for local artisans and producers of goods to bring their wares to market, strive to reflect the diversity of the community, and improve the quality of life for Arlandria residents and visitors. It is part of an overall vision to expand and improve Four Mile Run park and the surrounding neighborhood.

4MRMarket is open every Sunday from 8am until 1pm from May through October in Four Mile Run Park at 4109 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. 

For more info see: http://www.4mrmarket.org/
Or contact us at: 4mrm@arlandria.org

Thursday, June 02, 2011

Local Planner Discusses Arlandria Planning and Implementation

Brandi fields questions
Since 2009, the Arlandria Action Plan Advisory Group has been helping guide implementation of the 2003 Action Plan (large PDF).  One of the leaders of the effort on the City staff side has been City Planning and Zoning Urban Planner Brandi Collins.  Last week, she was invited to speak at a Coalition for Smarter Growth event with a couple of other young planners at their "Young Planner Showcase".  The event was held at the National Capital Planning Commission.

Here are her slides (PDF), which are displayed during the video.  See below for the video of her presentation, or use this link to view on YouTube if the embedded video isn't working for you.  Brandi's section starts at about the 06:20 mark and runs about 20-25 minutes, including a Q and A session.  She does a great job promoting what we're doing as a community, and we are appreciative of the efforts so far.  Keep up the focus and great work on Arlandria!