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

Karaoke bar and Asian fusion restaurant opening soon in Crystal City

By Katie Taranto
Signage for Lantern Restaurant & Bar in Crystal City (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A karaoke bar and restaurant in Crystal City plans to open its doors in the next few weeks.

After nearly a year of development, Lantern Restaurant & Bar is preparing to open toward the end of this month or in early January, co-owner Shen Zhao told ARLnow.

Go to Karaoke bar and Asian fusion restaurant opening soon in Crystal City Read more
Around Town

A parkour gym for kids is opening tomorrow in Shirlington

By Katie Taranto
JollyHeap blocks inside Scramble Parkour (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A new parkour gym for kids is scheduled to open tomorrow (Friday) in Shirlington.

Scramble Parkour, an indoor facility on the lower level of 2900 S. Quincy Street, offers obstacle courses resembling those seen in shows like “Wipeout” and “American Ninja Warrior.” It promises a safe, clean environment where “adrenaline meets adventure.”

Go to A parkour gym for kids is opening tomorrow in Shirlington Read more
Around Town

Thai restaurant on Langston Blvd rebrands under new owner

By Katie Taranto
Thai Leaf at 5123 Langston Blvd (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A longtime family-owned Thai restaurant on Langston Blvd has taken on a new name and look, along with some new menu items.

Thai Thai rebranded to Thai Leaf this fall under the ownership of Pichamon Dobson, a family friend of the previous owner. While Dobson spent months renovating the restaurant at 5123 Langston Blvd, much of Thai Thai’s cuisine lives on under the same chef.

Go to Thai restaurant on Langston Blvd rebrands under new owner Read more
Around Town

Upcoming rooftop restaurant in Courthouse unveils ‘Recess’ concept

By Katie Taranto
2424 Wilson Blvd in Courthouse (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A forthcoming rooftop restaurant and bar in Courthouse aims to serve classic American meals in a fun, relaxed setting.

The previously unnamed restaurant at 2424 Wilson Blvd is called Rooftop Recess, and its menu will feature “expertly handcrafted cocktails and outstanding American cuisine,” according to its website. The restaurant expects to open in early 2025.

Go to Upcoming rooftop restaurant in Courthouse unveils ‘Recess’ concept Read more
Around Town

Skincare studio with monthly memberships coming to Clarendon

By Katie Taranto
The Verizon at 2930 Clarendon Blvd, soon to be Glowbar (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A skincare studio offering monthly facial memberships plans to open this summer in Clarendon.

With personalized, 30-minute “results-driven” facials from licensed estheticians, Glowbar expects to open between July and September at 2930 Clarendon Blvd, founder Rachel Liverman told ARLnow. The address currently houses a Verizon store.

Go to Skincare studio with monthly memberships coming to Clarendon Read more
Around Town

Michelin-starred tacos are coming to Crystal City for limited time

By Katie Taranto
Tacombi in Crystal City (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A Crystal City eatery is about to start serving Michelin-starred tacos. But only for a short time.

Starting tomorrow (Wednesday) and lasting through Thursday, Dec. 26, Tacombi at 1550 Crystal Drive will offer some items from the menu of Mexico City-based El Califa de León — the first taqueria in the world to earn a Michelin star.

Go to Michelin-starred tacos are coming to Crystal City for limited time Read more
Around Town

American restaurant with ‘veggie-forward’ menu coming to Clarendon

By Katie Taranto
Shuttered Jos. A. Bank at The Crossing Clarendon on Jan. 23, 2024 (staff photo by James Jarvis)

A casual eatery with a “veggie-forward” menu is on track to open at some point next year at The Crossing Clarendon.

The location at 2800 Clarendon Blvd, in the former Jos. A. Bank space, will be the first location outside of New York City for Westville, which serves “casual American food.”

Go to American restaurant with ‘veggie-forward’ menu coming to Clarendon Read more
News

Reward offered in death of ’emaciated’ Arlington dog with hypothermia

By Katie Taranto
A dog found in critical condition in Arlington last week (via AWLA/Instagram)

An animal advocacy group is offering a reward for information after a dog succumbed to injuries last week in Arlington.

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington responded around 8 p.m. Wednesday to a report of a dog in critical condition near the intersection of 14th Street S. and S. Walter Reed Drive, a few blocks south of Columbia Pike.

Go to Reward offered in death of ’emaciated’ Arlington dog with hypothermia Read more
Around Town

California Tortilla closes in Courthouse after two decades

By Katie Taranto
2057 Wilson Blvd, formerly California Tortilla (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

Arlington’s last California Tortilla closed in Courthouse late last month, as another restaurant is reportedly lined up to replace it.

The fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurant closed its doors Nov. 30, according to a storefront message at 2057 Wilson Blvd, next to Brooklyn Bagel Bakery. The Bethesda-based restaurant opened in Courthouse 20 years ago.

Go to California Tortilla closes in Courthouse after two decades Read more
Around Town

Bobalicious rebrands, adds soft tacos to Vietnamese menu

By Katie Taranto
Pho and Banh Mi Eatery Cafe signage (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A Vietnamese eatery in Clarendon featuring bubble tea has rebranded and added some new menu items.

After opening in July under the name Bobalicious, the cafe became Pho and Banh Mi Eatery Cafe later this summer — and has now updated its offerings to include soft tacos in addition to pho, poke, rolls and banh mi.

Go to Bobalicious rebrands, adds soft tacos to Vietnamese menu Read more
View More Stories