Photos: Signs of Spring Around Arlington
One could hardly have asked for a more beautiful start to March.
As the thermometer hit 70 degrees today — the first day of meteorological spring — trees, flowers and other plants were starting to bloom. From Shirlington to Ballston, from Waverly Hills to the Custis Trail, the colors of spring are beginning to emerge.
It’s no surprise that the blooms are getting an early start. According to the Capital Weather Gang, this year’s meteorological winter was the third warmest on record in D.C.
The official start of spring — the Vernal Equinox — is March 20. The peak bloom for D.C.’s cherry blossom trees, meanwhile, is now predicted for March 24.
Coming to Ballston: Red Parrot Asian Bistro
(Updated at 2:55 p.m.) A new Asian fusion restaurant is coming to Ballston later this year.
Red Parrot Asian Bistro, which has locations in Baltimore and Hanover, Md., just applied for a liquor license for a restaurant on the ground floor of the office building at 1110 N. Glebe Road.
An employee at one of the Maryland restaurants said the Ballston open was probably about six months away.
The Red Parrot website says the eatery offers various types of Asian dishes.
“We introduce variations of South East Asian cuisines offering Thai food, sushi, and Asian fusion for food lovers to enjoy,” the website says. “Here, at the bistro, we offer cocktail drinks, delicious Asian food and bubble tea. And best of all, we have a relaxing and wonderful environment for people to enjoy the atmosphere and the food.”
Other current tenants of 1110 N. Glebe Road include Ballston Crossfit and The Melting Pot fondue restaurant.
Vultures Spotted Around Arlington
It seems that a small flock of vultures has taken up temporary residence in Arlington over the past week.
The birds of prey have been spotted around the county, often with an eager eye trained on a potential meal.
“A raccoon got smushed by a car on the street by my house Sunday and when I drove down the street, I saw about 4 vultures gathered around the carcass, trying to get at it between cars streaming down the street,” said Dana M., a Lyon Park resident, in an email. “Thought this was a weird sight to see in urban Arlington. I’ve seen raccoon, possums, foxes, and hawks, but never a vulture.”
In another instance, a county employee spotted two vultures casually hanging out on a deck outside the Department of Human Services building at Sequoia Plaza.
A third possible vulture spotting happened amid the high rises of Ballston.
Photos courtesy of Dana M., @BrianKal and Anonymous
Bluemont Wienermobile Sighting, Explained
(Updated at 12:20 p.m.) Wondering what the famous Oscar Mayer Wienermobile was doing at the entrance to Bluemont Park on Tuesday?
So were we. Luckily, the team of “hotdoggers” who are driving the vehicular sausage all over the East Coast got in touch with us yesterday and were able to grill them on the purpose of their visit.
“Hi there, we saw your post on the Wienermobile today,” wrote ‘Turkey Dog Tyler‘ and ‘Bacon Lettuce and Taylor,’ via email. “Shoot us an email if you want to ketchup! Franks!”
We asked what they were up to over in Bluemont.
“We’re in Annapolis for a few days of events at grocery stores,” the pair said. “We were just in Arlington for the afternoon to do some disc golfing with a friend.”
There were hot dogs served to their fellow Frisbee golf players, right? Seems like that would be a perk of the job.
“Haha nope no hot dogs,” the hotdoggers replied. “Just a nice day of frolfing in the park.”
The Oscar Mayer ambassadors promised to let us know next time they were in town. Hopefully they’ll remember to steer clear of the Pentagon.
Two Injured in Accident Involving Access-Ride Van
Two people were taken to the hospital following a rear-end collision on N. Lorcom Lane this morning.
The accident happened on Lorcom Lane near the intersection with N. Fillmore Street, two blocks from the Spout Run Parkway. An “Access-Ride” medical transport van somehow rear-ended an Audi sedan, causing significant damage to the back of the Audi but little damage to the van.
Two ambulances and an EMS supervisor were called to the scene to assist with the injured parties. So far, there’s no indication that any of the injuries were serious or life-threatening.
A one-block stretch of Lorcom Lane was shut down during following the accident, as crews worked to tow away the wrecked vehicles and clear glass and other debris from the roadway.
Arlington Filling More Potholes Than Last Winter
Thanks to the mild winter, the District of Columbia has reported a 22 percent drop in the number of complaints about potholes. After all, the warmer weather isn’t as conducive to pothole formation. Across the Potomac, however, Arlington’s pothole repairs crews have been busy.
Since the start of November, Arlington County has filled 2,184 potholes. That compares to 1,174 potholes filled by this time last year — an 86 percent increase. Why so many?
Department of Environmental Services spokeswoman Shannon Whalen McDaniel says the weather has allowed crews to get a head start on pothole repairs.
“The warmer weather has enabled crews to get out more frequently to repair the roads,” Whalen McDaniel said. “It’s helped us to get a jump start on the official pothole season that starts in early March.”
Residents can report potholes on the pothole page of the county’s website.
Morning Notes
Death Penalty Sought for Torrez — Former Marine Jorge Torrez, who’s already serving a life sentence for raping and abducting an Arlington woman, is now facing a separate murder trial. Prosecutors say they’re seeking the death penalty for Torrez, who’s accused of murdering Navy petty officer Amanda Jean Snell in her barracks on Fort Myer in 2009. [WTOP]
Involuntary Bankruptcy for Market Tavern? — Creditors are trying to force newly-renovated Clarendon restaurant Market Tavern (formerly Harry’s Tap Room) into bankruptcy, claiming the eatery owes them at least $77,000 in unpaid debts. Owner Michael Sternberg says the proceedings won’t have an impact on the restaurant’s operations. [Washington Business Journal]
Elevation Burger Expanding — Arlington-based organic burger chain Elevation Burger is expanding. The restaurant now has 29 locations worldwide, but is planning to have 50 locations by the end of the year. The concept is proving especially popular in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the company is testing out two new burger toppings — hardwood smoked bacon and sauteed mushrooms — at its Arlington location (2447 North Harrison Street). [Nation's Restaurant News]
Historic Designation for Tiny Cemetery — A tiny, historic cemetery plot at 5000 Lee Highway, in the Hall’s Hill community, is getting some attention as Arlington County moves to designate it as a local historic district. The oldest grave in the 7,100 square foot cemetery is that of Margaret Hyson, who died in 1891 and was a former slave on the Hall’s Hill plantation. [Washington Post]
