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

Four new eateries plan openings at Pentagon City mall in coming months

By Katie Taranto
Amorino Gelato signage in the Pentagon City mall (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

The Pentagon City mall has confirmed the planned opening dates for some of its new eateries, with one expected to arrive as soon as February.

Gelato, Mediterranean food, Guatemalan chicken and more are expected to come to the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City over the next few weeks and months.

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Around Town

USPS plans post office relocation in Crystal City

By Katie Taranto
United States Post Office signage at 320 23rd Street S. (courtesy of Nicholas Kalams)

A post office on Crystal Drive is relocating, but not very far.

The current United States Postal Service office inside the Crystal City Shops at 2180 Crystal Drive is closing, but a new post office is expected to open less than a quarter mile away at 320 23rd Street S.

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Around Town

New mall exhibits celebrate Black History Month and local artists in Pentagon City

By Katie Taranto
"Shaping a Nation’s Destiny: A Black History Month Salute" wax figure exhibit in Pentagon City (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

Wax sculptures celebrating Black History Month and other pieces of art are on display in two new exhibits at Pentagon City’s mall.

The limited-time installations at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City showcase notable Black figures from throughout U.S. history, as well as artwork from the Arlington Artists Alliance.

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Around Town

Java Loco bubble tea cafe expands to Crystal City with new items

By Katie Taranto
Java Loco in 2777 Crystal Drive (courtesy of Java Loco)

A Northern Virginia cafe has opened a new location in Crystal City, offering espresso drinks, bubble tea and brunch.

Java Loco Coffee & Bubble Tea opened Jan. 27 at 2777 Crystal Drive. The new location, featuring two new lunch options, is the business’ fifth overall and first in Arlington.

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Around Town

Filipino bakery Gwenie’s Pastries plans Pentagon City opening

By Katie Taranto
Gwenie's Pastries signage at The Gramercy in Pentagon City (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

New dessert options with Filipino flair are coming soon to Pentagon City.

With a lilac aesthetic and colorful delicacies, Maryland-based Gwenie’s Pastries hopes to bring baked goods and hot beverages to 1417 S. Fern Street — formerly W Nails & Spa — by April.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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