Around Town

(Updated at 2 p.m.) Pasta lovers can take a sigh of relief, because the new owner of Ruffino’s Spaghetti House doesn’t want to change a thing.

Mina Tawdaros recently bought the long-time Arlington institution at 4763 Lee Highway. Ruffino’s first opened in 1975, and has satisfied Italian food cravings with a menu that includes the standards, from pizza to linguini to chicken marsala.


Sponsored

Address: 5934 N. 16th Street
Neighborhood: Westover
Type: 6 BR, 4 (+1 half) BA single-family detached; not a rental
Listed: $2,495,000

Noteworthy: Cost saving energy upgrades and expansive layout featuring a gourmet kitchen, a stunning great room, and an extraordinary primary bedroom suite with two exceptional walk-in closets

Introducing this meticulously updated 3-level, 6-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom residence in the sought-after Westover neighborhood of North Arlington.

Set on a serene neighborhood street, this distinguished home features a traditional feel with a thoughtful renovation and numerous updates and a spacious yard. It has a warm, cozy interior featuring four fireplaces. Enjoy the chef’s kitchen connected to a family room with access to the rear yard and patio. There is also a light-filled great room with vaulted ceilings, and an extraordinary primary suite with two large walk-in closets, a spa-like bathroom, a sitting room, and a balcony. The primary bedroom suite offers a luxurious retreat, while the second floor accommodates five total bedrooms. The lower level has a separate entry and boasts a guest suite with a versatile recreational space, including a sixth bedroom and a fourth full bathroom, a recreation room and a yoga/fitness space. Outside, enjoy a stone patio and built-in fire pit area. Conveniently located near parks, trails, and Metro, this home offers suburban tranquility with easy access to urban amenities. It is a short walk to Westover Village, Swanson Middle School, and Cardinal Elementary School. It is within the Yorktown High School zone.

With many updates, including geothermal heating and cooling, fully paid-for solar panels, and an EV charger, this residence is ready to welcome you home. The utility costs are very low for a home of this size. Opportunity knocks. This is not your cookie cutter home. Schedule your showing today of this distinguished and unique property!

Listed by:
Dawn Wilson – TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
[email protected]
(703) 217-4959


Around Town

A new fast-casual Indian cuisine spot has just opened in Ballston Quarter’s food hall.

Bollywood Bistro Express turned on the stove on January 1 in Quarter Market, joining other fast casual concepts like Sloppy Mama’s Barbeque and Turu’s by Timber Pizza in the mall’s lower level.


Announcement

Mental health shapes how we lead, love, work, parent, communicate, and show up in the world—yet too often, these conversations stay hidden.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, join local nonprofit Rock Recovery for Strength Not Stigma—an unforgettable evening of honest conversation, community, and impact.


News

(Updated at 12:15 p.m.) Flags at the U.S. Capitol has been ordered to half-staff in honor of fallen Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick.

Sicknick passed away last night “due to injuries sustained while on-duty” during the pro-Trump riot at the Capitol on Wednesday.


Schools

Arlington Public Schools is holding off on announcing future dates for returning students to school.

Sending back students and staff together is unsafe, Superintendent Francisco Durán told the School Board during a meeting on Thursday. For now, APS will focus on its timeline for returning staff to their buildings, he said.


News

ACPD Warned About Possible IED Threat — “Virginia police are warning officers to be on the lookout for IEDs and disseminated photos of the two found in DC during the Trump mob, per internal bulletin leaked to me.” [Twitter, The Nation]

Beyer Signs On to Impeachment — From Rep. Don Beyer: “I have just signed onto the Articles of impeachment… Donald Trump is a clear and present danger to our country and he has to go immediately. [Twitter]


Around Town

Last month, we announced the launch of The Arlies, ARLnow’s awards for the top local places, people and organizations in Arlington.

Now, we’re revealing the Winter 2021 categories, which you can vote on starting next week. Here’s a sneak preview of the categories included in the Winter 2021 Arlies:


News

(Updated at 3:45 p.m.) Vaccine distribution in Virginia started three weeks ago, and in Arlington County, the focus remains on healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities.

Officials say widespread distribution is still months away.