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.

News

Virginia’s sales tax holiday is approaching. Here’s what to know.

By Katie Taranto
The plaza at Ballston Quarter in 2022 (courtesy of Chris Chern)

Virginia’s three-day tax holiday begins next Friday, Aug. 2, marking a weekend of discounted shopping for back-to-school season and hurricane preparedness supplies, among other goods.

Starting Friday and ending on Sunday, Aug. 4, eligible items will be sold across the state without sales tax.

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Around Town

International fast-fashion retailer Mango opens at the Pentagon City mall

By Katie Taranto
The Mango storefront at the Fashion Centre in Pentagon City (staff photo)

A new European clothing store is now open at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City.

Spanish fast-fahion retailer Mango opened this past Wednesday, July 24 on the mall’s second level near Haggar. Mango has clothing for adults and kids in addition to home decor, though the Pentagon City location mostly sells women’s apparel.

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Around Town

Giant vegan cookies coming to Ballston Quarter food hall

By Katie Taranto
The MidnighTreats kiosk in Ballston Quarter (staff photo)

Monster-sized sweet treats are coming to Ballston Quarter’s food hall later this summer.

MidnighTreats, a regional bakery selling giant vegan cookies, is expected to open by mid to late August, owner Jemal Mahdi tells ARLnow. It will occupy the former kiosk of District Doughnut, at the entrance to Ballston Quarter Market.

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Around Town

New art gallery opens in Clarendon, as Gallery Underground in Crystal City is set to close

By Katie Taranto
Inside of the new Alliance Gallery at 2700 Clarendon Blvd (staff photo)

The work of local artists has a new home at The Crossing Clarendon.

The Arlington Artists Alliance opened a 1,000-square-foot boutique gallery this past Thursday, July 18, to showcase the work of professional artists in the area.

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Around Town

Family of longtime local cook fundraising after cancer diagnosis

By Katie Taranto
GoFundMe campaign for Félix Gomes posted by Paula Fernandez (via GoFundMe)

If you’ve gone out to eat in Ballston, Clarendon or Courthouse in the past decade, it’s quite possible that Félix Gomes helped to make your meal at least once.

He’s been a cook in the area for the past 15 years at restaurants like the former Caribbean Breeze and A-Town Bar and Grill, as well as Don Tito and most recently Fire Works Pizza in Courthouse. Co-workers enjoy his humor and charisma.

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News

Shirlington Circle bridge closes again for a week of construction

By Katie Taranto
Detour lanes and closures in effect until Sunday, July 28 (courtesy of the Virginia Department of Transportation)

For the second time this month, the Shirlington Circle south rotary bridge over I-395 has closed for construction.

The bridge — which connects southbound lanes from I-395 and Shirlington Road to North Quaker Lane at Exit 6 — is set to remain closed until just before midnight this coming Sunday, July 28.

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Around Town

Bun’d Up speakeasy reimagined as Korean street food spot at Westpost

By Katie Taranto
Noonchi's interior is decorated with lanterns and neon lights (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

Korean street food is on the menu at Noonchi, a new eatery in the back of Bun’d Up in Pentagon City.

Asian-American fusion spot Bun’d Up at 1201 S. Joyce Street, in the Westpost shopping center, finished rebranding its back room earlier this year. Noonchi is a departure from Sparrow Room, the former speakeasy and dim sum destination.

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Around Town

Arlington spot makes Washington Post’s short list of ‘great affordable restaurants’

By Katie Taranto
Pho 75 in Rosslyn (via Google Maps)

A longtime Rosslyn eatery was recently recognized in the Washington Post’s list of “great affordable restaurants in the D.C. area.”

Pho 75 at 1721 Wilson Blvd, in the Colonial Village Shopping Center, was one of five restaurants on the list compiled by food critic Tom Sietsema.

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Around Town

Nando’s serving free chicken tomorrow in exchange for donated school supplies

By Katie Taranto
The Nando's Peri-Peri storefront in Ballston has outdoor seating (staff photo)

School supplies and financial donations can be exchanged for free chicken at all Nando’s Peri-Peri locations tomorrow (Thursday) to celebrate Mandela Day.

The South African fast casual chain will serve a free flame-grilled chicken leg or breast at any spice level to customers who donate at least one school supply item or make a financial donation between 4-7 p.m.

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Around Town

Bees & Tea to go solo as Asia Bistro prepares to close in Pentagon City

By Katie Taranto
Bees & Tea serves colorful milk and fruit teas at the Westpost shopping center (via Bees & Tea/Instagram)

Bees & Tea by Asia Bistro is getting ready to become a standalone cafe at Westpost in Pentagon City.

The “tea bar” located inside Asia Bistro at 1301 S. Joyce Street requested a license to serve beer and wine in May, owner Jessica Arbaugh tells ARLnow. She expects the license to be approved by August or September.

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Around Town

A new Goodwill donation center is coming to Langston Blvd

By Katie Taranto
A Goodwill Donation Express center is under construction on Langston Blvd (courtesy of anonymous)

A Goodwill Donation Express center is slated to open later this year at 5210 Langston Blvd, formerly Tops Cleaners.

The new facility will mainly operate as a donation drop-off spot, a local Goodwill spokesman tells ARLnow, but a limited selection of donated goods will be for sale.

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Around Town

‘Tiny but mighty’ Turkish market in Courthouse winning following with authentic goods

By Katie Taranto

A small shop in Courthouse Plaza selling authentic Turkish grocery items has been gaining a following since opening in late February.

Avrasya Market, named after the Turkish word for Eurasia, is a 230 square-foot room packed to the brim with all kinds of Turkish goods. The shelves are stocked with spices, canned goods, comfort foods, condiments, beverages, cookies, pastries, chocolates, nuts, Turkish delight and more.

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