Author: Katie Taranto

Katie Taranto is a reporter at Local News Now, primarily covering business, public safety and the city of Falls Church. She graduated from the University of Missouri in 2024, where she previously covered K-12 education at The Columbia Missourian. She is originally from Macungie, Pennsylvania.

Around Town

Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe celebrating 50 years of business this week

By Katie Taranto
Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe (Photo by Nick Barahona)

A family-owned Arlington institution for pastries, cakes and other sweet treats turns 50 years old tomorrow (Tuesday).

In celebration of its anniversary, Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe will offer special miniature donuts tomorrow, blueberry muffins on Wednesday and free cupcakes from 9 a.m.-noon this Saturday, Feb. 15. There, Arlington County Board Chair Takis Karantontis will present the owners with a key to the county.

Go to Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe celebrating 50 years of business this week Read more
Around Town

Tex-Mex restaurant La Posada is underway in Crystal City

By Katie Taranto
La Posada signage at 320 23rd Street S. (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A Tex-Mex and Latin-inspired restaurant hopes to open in Crystal City sometime early this spring.

La Posada, a new concept by veteran restaurateur Julian Giraldo, is in development at 320 23rd Street S., on the ground floor of Quimby on 23rd apartments.

Go to Tex-Mex restaurant La Posada is underway in Crystal City Read more
Events

Annual garage racing event returns to Crystal City this month after postponement

By Katie Taranto
Cyclists at the National Garage Racing Championships in 2023 (courtesy of the National Landing BID)

A free-for-all of cycling races, zany costumes and competitive glory is coming to a garage in Crystal City this month, following a postponement last year.

The 11th Garage Racing National Championships are happening Saturday, Feb. 22, giving beginner cyclists and enthusiasts a chance to make it on the winner’s podium. Unsanctioned by USA Cycling, the purely recreational event describes itself as “the Fight Club of bike racing.”

Go to Annual garage racing event returns to Crystal City this month after postponement Read more
Around Town

Whole Foods Market hosts grand opening in Falls Church

By Katie Taranto
A welcome sign inside Whole Foods in Falls Church (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

It was a big morning for the Little City, with the grand opening of Whole Foods Market.

Over 100 shoppers flocked to 103 E. Broad Street this morning (Friday) to see the new 45,000-square-foot grocery store. The celebration featured free tote bags, coupons, treats and coffee for early birds, who crowded outside the shop just before 8 a.m.

Go to Whole Foods Market hosts grand opening in Falls Church Read more
Around Town

Asian fusion spot ‘Pi BBQ and Bar’ plans opening in Crystal City

By Katie Taranto
The planned location for Pi BBQ and Bar at 420 23rd Street S. (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A new Asian fusion restaurant with Korean barbecue is preparing to open in Crystal City.

Pi BBQ and Bar hopes to open by early March at 420 23rd Street S., near Restaurant Row, co-owner Scott Goodson told ARLnow.

Go to Asian fusion spot ‘Pi BBQ and Bar’ plans opening in Crystal City Read more
Events

‘Pitch-A-Friend’ group returns to Ballston for night of mingling during Valentine’s week

By Katie Taranto
Pitch-A-Friend presentations at Quincy Hall (courtesy of Quincy Hall)

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, an upcoming event in Ballston will celebrate the time-honored tradition of playing matchmaker.

Quincy Hall is hosting Pitch-A-Friend Washington D.C. for a Valentine’s edition of its wingman-inspired nights. For $5, participants give cheeky, lighthearted PowerPoint-style presentations to pitch their single friends to that night’s crowd.

Go to ‘Pitch-A-Friend’ group returns to Ballston for night of mingling during Valentine’s week Read more
Events

New ‘Flow & Feast’ class in Ballston pairs cooking with yoga

By Katie Taranto
Flow & Feast Cookology class in January 2025 (via Cookology/Facebook)

A new monthly class in Ballston is combining lessons in cooking and child’s pose.

Cookology Culinary School is bringing back its “Flow & Feast” events, which include a yoga class and hands-on cooking lesson wrapped into one.

Go to New ‘Flow & Feast’ class in Ballston pairs cooking with yoga Read more
News

Bill to ease liquor restrictions gets support from Arlington restaurateurs

By Katie Taranto and Scott McCaffrey
Drinks at Salt in Rosslyn in 2021 (courtesy of Salt)

A state bill that would loosen restrictions on liquor sales is picking up support from members of Arlington’s restaurant scene.

Restaurants with mixed beverage licenses in Virginia are mandated to make at least 45% of sales from food and no more than 55% of sales from liquor-based mixed beverages. Senate Bill 1163 would lower the food sale requirement to 30%, allowing higher revenue percentages from liquor — something multiple restaurant owners told ARLnow they would welcome.

Go to Bill to ease liquor restrictions gets support from Arlington restaurateurs Read more
Around Town

Gourmet toast franchise Toastique planning second Arlington location

By Katie Taranto
Avocado Smash toast from Toastique (via Toastique/Facebook)

A second Toastique is underway in Arlington.

The D.C.-born gourmet toast and juice franchise is making its way to National Landing, the company confirmed with ARLnow. It’s unclear at this point where exactly the cafe will open, or even whether it will open in Crystal City or Pentagon City.

Go to Gourmet toast franchise Toastique planning second Arlington location Read more
Around Town

Filipino breakfast shop Lapu Lapu is coming to Pentagon City

By Katie Taranto
Lapu Lapu's breakfast sandwiches (via Lapu Lapu/Facebook)

Lapu Lapu, a Filipino eatery offering to-go breakfast sandwiches, is expected to open this spring in Crystal City, according to the National Landing BID.

The Gaithersburg-based shop hopes to make its Northern Virginia debut at 1417 S. Fern Street by April. Named after a national hero of the Philippines, Lapu Lapu combines Filipino cuisine with American breakfast sandwiches.

Go to Filipino breakfast shop Lapu Lapu is coming to Pentagon City Read more
Around Town

Locally acclaimed sandwich shop Grazie Grazie is coming to Ballston

By Katie Taranto
Grazie Grazie signage in Ballston (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A D.C.-based Italian sandwich shop and deli is making its way across the Potomac to Ballston.

Grazie Grazie is preparing to open across from Hawkers Asian Street Food at 4201 Wilson Blvd. It will be the business’s third location and first shop outside D.C.

Go to Locally acclaimed sandwich shop Grazie Grazie is coming to Ballston Read more
Events

Super Bowl LIX in Arlington: 11 places to eat, drink and watch the game

By Katie Taranto
Eagles fans at The Renegade in Clarendon last month (via The Renegade/Facebook)

The Commanders may not be going to Super Bowl LIX, but restaurants and bars across Arlington are gearing up for the big game this weekend.

Whether you’re looking for a lively crowd or food specials to cater your party at home, the following businesses are hosting parties and meal deals as the Chiefs and the Eagles face off this Sunday, Feb. 9.

Go to Super Bowl LIX in Arlington: 11 places to eat, drink and watch the game Read more
View More Stories