food | ARLnow.com

Published February 17, 2012 at 10:45AM

The whole family can enjoy the free event at the Langston-Brown Community Center (2121 N. Culpeper St) from 12:00-5:00 p.m. Visitors can taste soul food and browse vendor displays while being entertained by various types of music and dancing teams, in addition to a comedian. Children’s activities such as arts and crafts, face painting and balloon art will keep little ones occupied.

On the more serious side, the “Hall of History” will display photos and artifacts from Arlington’s historically black neighborhoods, along with African Americans in the Civil War. There will be a WalkAbout of the Hall’s Hill/Highview area. Visitors can also take advantage of health services, from free screenings to flu shots.

Events

Bring Out the Beads for Mardi Gras Celebrations

By Katie Pyzyk

Published February 17, 2012 at 9:30AM

Arlington’s main event is the Clarendon-Courthouse Mardi Gras Parade. The free event starts at 8:00 p.m. More than 40 local groups will march in the event, some with floats and the quintessential beads. The parade will run along Wilson Blvd from N. Barton St to N. Irving St. The following street closures will be in effect:

In addition, street parking in the area will be restricted. Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary “No Parking” signs. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed. Parade-goers are encouraged to use Metro.

Around Town

New Food Truck Rolls into Lunch Scene

By Katie Pyzyk

Published January 10, 2012 at 2:15PM | Updated January 10, 2012 at 2:45PM

With creatively named dishes like “Bikini Beef” and “Hot Girl Salad” it’s obvious the owners like to have fun at work. They’re so confident about their food’s quality that they’re letting customers try free samples.

“No good? No charge. Guarantee!” owner Leopold Liao said.

News

Make a Food Donation While Riding the Bus

By Katie Pyzyk

Published December 6, 2011 at 3:45PM

Arlington Transit teamed up with the Arlington Food Assistance Center for a food drive that allows riders to leave donations directly on buses. Each ART bus has a box for collecting non-perishable food items. Boxes have also been put in place at Commuter Stores.

All food collected will be sent to the Arlington Food Assistance Center to be distributed to local residents in need. During an average week, AFAC serves about 2,000 adults and 1,000 children.

Opinion

Morning Poll: Thanksgiving Consumption

By ARLnow.com

Published November 28, 2011 at 10:04AM

Despite the fact that 29 percent of Americans say they’re seriously trying to lose weight, there are few signs that people are actually cutting back on their annual Thanksgiving feasts.

This year, the National Turkey Federation estimated that 46 million turkeys would be consumed on Thanksgiving — that’s almost 3 pounds of turkey per person, given the average weight of 16 pounds per bird.

Around Town

Thanksgiving Cooking Safety Tips from ACFD

By ARLnow.com

Published November 22, 2011 at 1:47PM

The Arlington County Fire Department has issued a list of six simple tips for keeping safe while cooking your Thanksgiving dinner.

Spokesman Lt. Gregg Karl says these tips are in response to calls the department receives on a regular basis around this time of year.

Around Town

Restaurant Event in Crystal City to Blend Italian and Indian Cuisine

By ARLnow.com

Published November 16, 2011 at 10:33AM

The exotic cuisine will be prepared as part of a collaboration between two local chefs: Gordon Vivace of Cucina Vivace and Pritha Mehra of Falls Church-based The Mystic Kitchen. The two came up with a 10-course, $69 prix fixe menu that blends “Indian and Italian staples into dishes that remain true to both specialties.”

The menu includes:

News

AFAC Begins Distributing Thanksgiving Meals to Needy Families

By ARLnow.com

Published November 14, 2011 at 4:15PM

AFAC expects to distribute some 1,800 frozen turkeys between today and Saturday, when the distribution ends. The organization is also distributing stuffing and mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving, in addition to its normal weekly food distribution (eggs, milk, pasta, canned goods, etc.).

Rep. Jim Moran joined volunteers at AFAC’s Shirlington distribution site this afternoon. The 66-year-old congressman helped to distribute food to AFAC clients, in an effort to draw more attention to the group’s mission.

Around Town

Candidates Schmooze at Kiwani Oyster Feast

By ARLnow.com

Published November 7, 2011 at 11:57AM | Updated November 7, 2011 at 11:54PM

Held at the American Service Center garage in Ballston, the feast attracted dozens (perhaps hundreds) of diners who paid $40 per head for unlimited oysters, burgers, hot dogs, barbeque and beer. Money raised at the event “helps to fund community youth projects and grants for other educational and non-profit organizations focusing on children in Arlington.”

The pre-Election Day event always attracts a large contingent of political candidates, who take the time to individually greet members of the civic-minded crowd — in between chowing down on fried food. Among the attendees was County Board member and state Senate candidate Barbara Favola, who’s facing off against Republican Caren Merrick in one of the most closely-watched local races in Northern Virginia.

Around Town

New Management Revamps Toscana Grill

By Katie Pyzyk

Published October 25, 2011 at 3:35PM | Updated October 25, 2011 at 6:08PM

The restaurant in the Courthouse Metro Plaza (2300 Clarendon Blvd.) has completely revamped. From appearance, to management and staff, to menu, Toscana Grill wants to make a new name for itself.

The new management abandoned the vegetarian menu, and now offers a variety of options for lovers of both meat and meatless dishes.

Around Town

Rabbit to Launch Late Night Grill in Clarendon

By ARLnow.com

Published October 17, 2011 at 3:09PM

The restaurant, a newcomer to the area, will be launching a late night outdoor grill dubbed the “Rabbit Hole.” From the restaurant’s patio, employees will be serving three “grilled to order” sandwiches: The Cuban (braised pork shoulder, deli ham, dill pickles, mozzarella and Dijon aioli), Classic Grilled Cheese (American and sharp cheddar cheese), and Nutella and Banana (sweet hazelnut spread and a hint of cocoa and slice bananas).

“All three standout sandwiches are served on fresh artisanal breads from a local bakery and offered at a discounted price: $8 for the Cuban and $6 for both the Nutella & Banana and Grilled Cheese sandwiches,” the restaurant said in a press release. “With recipes inspired by Consulting Chef Katsuya Fukushima, an Iron Chef winner, as well as one of celebrity Chef José Andrés most trusted collaborators, “Rabbit Hole” is sure to satisfy any late-night hunger pangs.”

News

As Recession Lingers, AFAC Hits All-Time High

By ARLnow.com

Published September 21, 2011 at 3:33PM

AFAC served 1572 families, or 4006 individuals, last week. The previous high was hit on Nov. 21, 2009, when AFAC served 1524 families during its traditionally busy Thanksgiving distribution week. Last month, AFAC saw its highest average monthly number of families served: 1450.

“Most of the individuals, I would say, are affected by the recession,” AFAC Executive Director Charles Meng told ARLnow.com. “The issue remains that unemployment among the lower income brackets in Arlington County is still very high. Those individuals are still not finding jobs, or are getting jobs that pay minimum wage.”