News

Charga Staying Busy After Review — “Last year, business was pretty good. But not like this. Everything changed on Jan. 3. That’s when the Washington Post’s Tim Carman placed unassuming Charga at the top of his list of the area’s top 10 casual restaurants. Food critics might be the last local journalists flexing 20th-century levels of media power: Overnight, business almost doubled at a restaurant that, like many, had struggled to staff, supply, and stay afloat in the COVID era.” [Slate, Twitter]

Feel the Heritage Fest Returns — “The 2023 Feel the Heritage Festival will be held on Sat., Feb. 25, noon-5 p.m. at Charles Drew Community Center. The festival welcomes hundreds each year to learn about the Arlington’s historically African-American neighborhoods while enjoying live entertainment, delicious food and dozens of vendors. Held for the past 29 years, the festival… is free and includes a full afternoon of engaging programming for guests of all ages.” [Arlington County]

Civ Fed Resolution Deferred, Again — “After spending more than two hours wrangling over procedural steps while barely touching the substance, Arlington County Civic Federation delegates on Feb. 21 deferred, for a month, action on a contentious resolution related to Arlington governance… delegates spent most of the meeting sparring over the procedural propriety of considering a substitute proposal that had been offered by the Arlington branch of the NAACP.” [Gazette Leader]

New Peter Chang Restaurant — “Celebrated chef Peter Chang is bringing his renowned Szechuan and Hubei cooking to Crystal City near Amazon’s headquarters. The 2022 James Beard Award finalist is opening his newest restaurant, to be called NiHao Arlington, later this year or in early 2024, co-owner Lydia Chang — Peter’s daughter — tells DCist/WAMU. It’s moving into 1550 Crystal Drive, Chang says, nestled near buzzy bakery Mah-Ze-Dahr, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and Amazon Fresh grocery store.” [DCist]

Labor Endorsement for Board Candidate — “The Baltimore-Washington Laborers’ District Council has endorsed J.D. Spain Sr. in his bid for Arlington County Board… Spain is one of five announced Democrats vying for two seats on the County Board. The party will select its nominees in a June primary.” [Gazette Leader]

Corvette Police Chase — From Dave Statter on Monday: “While you slept: @VSPPIO with a brief chase at 2:55 a.m. on I-395N from Washington Blvd to the 14th St. Bridge. A Corvette at 130 mph or more.” [Twitter]